‘No One Is Above the Law’: Ex-Corrections Officer Indicted for Allegedly Smuggling Weapons and Tequila Into Prison to Sell to Inmates
A guard tower and razor wire are seen at California State Prison, Solano in Vacaville, Calif., May 20, 2015. (Photo: Rich Pedroncelli/AP Images)
A former corrections officer at Solano State Prison has been accused of smuggling contraband to inmates following a joint probe by the FBI and the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.
On April 26, an indictment was filed in Sacramento Superior Court against Edwin Fernand. A former employee at the Solano prison located an hour northeast of San Francisco, Fernand stands accused of smuggling cellphones, tobacco, liquor and deadly weapons to inmates in exchange for cash.
According to the indictment, he worked alongside a now out-of-custody co-conspirator who shipped Fernand switchblades from online retailers. During a separate incident, the corrections officer was allegedly asked how much money he was willing to receive in exchange for smuggling “green,” “brown” and “Patron” tequila into the prison.
The ex-corrections officer was allegedly paid thousands of dollars to bring the contraband inside Solano between Feb. 27, 2020, and Sept. 14, 2021, coordinating with both the unnamed co-conspirator and inmates.
“Regardless of occupation or position, our office is committed to holding those who break the law accountable,” Attorney General Rob Bonta said in a public statement. “No one is above the law. I am thankful to our state and federal law enforcement partners for their work on this case.”
Following grand jury proceedings, Fernand was charged with four felonies and booked at the Sacramento County Jail. He has since been released from custody on bond, with his next scheduled court appearance set for June 20.
“The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation strongly condemns any peace officer who violates their oath and shatters the public’s trust,” California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation Secretary Jeff Macomber said. “Let this serve as a reminder that we will seek accountability from those who refuse to follow the law.”
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