Yuba County officer Martin Palacios Lugo was arrested for smuggling contraband cell phones and bribery at the jail.
YUBA COUNTY, Calif. — A Yuba County correctional officer was arrested Monday amid an investigation into contraband cell phones at the jail.
According to the Yuba County Sheriff’s Office, the investigation started July 24 after the sheriff’s office found out about cell phones circulating among inmates.
Deputies searched the jail and found two cell phones hidden in a housing unit. They said evidence pointed them in the direction of Officer Martin Palacios Lugo.
Detectives executed a search warrant on Palacios Lugo and his vehicle at the jail when he returned to work. They found three cell phones and more than $2,000 in cash.
Palacios Lugo was arrested just before 7 a.m. Monday and booked on suspicion of bribery, criminal conspiracy and possession of a wireless communications device in a correctional facility.
“I was saddened to learn about this betrayal of trust and disregard for the safety of our staff and those in our care,” said Sheriff Anderson. “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.”
Palacios Lugo resigned his employment, and the case is still active.
