A former corrections officer is facing 20 months behind bars after a conviction for custodial sexual misconduct; the sentencing followed his guilty plea to charges related to an incident involving a 19-year-old inmate at Coffee Creek Correctional Facility,
Levi David Gray, who once supervised the Special Housing Unit at the correctional facility, defied facility policies on May 23, 2023, engaging in unlawful sex acts within the walls of a cell absent of surveillance cameras with his victim – who, upon encouragement of a witness to the misconduct, reported the incident leading to Gray's immediate administrative leave and later termination as reported by the Washington County District Attorney's Office.
At the close of the trial, presiding Judge Ricardo Menchaca handed down the 20-month sentence, reflecting the maximum punishment outlined by Oregon Felony Sentencing Guidelines for such infractions; the defense had pushed for probation which Menchaca set aside in taking heed of the State's advice favoring prison time, the sentencing hearing also included a victim's statement which added personal context to the gravity of the offense.
Gray's consequences extend beyond the prison term as he will lose his Department of Public Safety Standards and Training certification, foreclosing his return to corrections work post-release and he is also subject to three years of post-prison supervision, sex offender treatment and a mental health evaluation, with a strict prohibition on contacting his victim – further cementing his estrangement from the system he once served to uphold, the District Attorney's office commended the victim's bravery in reporting the abuse and recognized the Oregon Department of Corrections and Oregon State Police for their respective roles in acting against Gray and investigating the misconduct.
The former officer awaits his transfer to the Oregon Department of Corrections, where he will serve out his sentence.
