Stephen Joseph Crittenden, a former correctional officer from Suisun City, has been sentenced to two years and one month in prison. The sentencing was announced by U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert and delivered by U.S. District Judge Troy L. Nunley.
Crittenden, who worked at the California Medical Facility in Vacaville, was found guilty of accepting over $45,000 in bribes from inmates between 2021 and 2023. These bribes were exchanged for smuggling cellphones into the facility.
U.S. Attorney Talbert commented on the case stating, "Crittenden abused the trust placed in correctional officers by repeatedly taking bribes to smuggle contraband into a prison." He added that the sentence should deter other officers from similar misconduct.
FBI Sacramento Special Agent in Charge Sid Patel remarked on the importance of integrity within law enforcement: "The FBI has no tolerance for corruption by public employees – especially law enforcement officers – who are entrusted to uphold the law and serve the public."
The investigation was led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with support from the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas M. Fogg handled prosecution duties.