The Yuba County Sheriff’s Office arrested correctional officer Martin Palacios Lugo on charges of smuggling contraband into the jail. The arrest followed an investigation launched last Thursday by detectives and the Problem Oriented Policing Unit after tips about inmates using unauthorized cell phones. During the search, two hidden cell phones were found, as reported by the Yuba County Sheriff's Department.
Palacios Lugo was arrested on Monday when he returned to work. Detectives found three cell phones and more than $2,000 in his possession after executing a search warrant. He was charged with bribery, criminal conspiracy, and possession of a wireless communication device in a correctional facility. Sheriff Anderson said, "I was saddened to learn about this betrayal of trust and disregard for the safety of our staff and those in our care," adding that such incidents affect the community's trust, as stated by the Yuba County Sheriff's Department.
According to the Yuba County Sheriff’s Department on their Facebook page, Sheriff Anderson said in response to the arrest of former deputy Palacios Lugo, who has resigned from the Sheriff’s Office, “I am proud of the way in which our staff handled this investigation and know the actions of one do not reflect on the hard work of so many men and women who wear our badge.” He also stated, “Fortunately, no one was hurt due to this crime, and I’m confident that justice will be served.” The case remains under active investigation.
