Eric Christian, Smuggling Contraband, Washington 2021
Former Corrections Officer Sentenced to 46 Months for Smuggling Contraband into Benton County Jail
A former Washington State correctional officer has been sentenced to 46 months in federal prison for conspiring to smuggle drugs and cell phones into the Benton County Jail, authorities announced today.
Eric Christian, 34, of Kennewick, Washington, was sentenced by Chief District Judge Stanley A. Bastian for his role in the conspiracy, which involved introducing multiple cell phones, methamphetamine, heroin, suboxone strips, and other contraband into the jail.
According to court documents, Christian and his co-conspirators provided access to dangerous offenders and gang members so that they could identify, assault, and retaliate against cooperating defendants and inmates charged with certain types of offenses.
“Mr. Christian was charged with protecting our community, and he breached that trust by providing dangerous criminals and gang members with access to illegal narcotics and unmonitored cell phones in the Benton County Jail,” said U.S. Attorney Vanessa R. Waldref.
Christian was also sentenced to three years of supervised release after he completes his time in federal custody.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Marshal’s Service, Drug Enforcement Administration Tri-Cities Task Force, and the Benton County Sheriff’s Office.
Christian was charged with Conspiracy to Provide Prohibited Objects to an Inmate of a Prison, and he pled guilty in December 2021.
“This abuse of trust, and Christian’s turning a blind eye when other inmates were assaulted, shook the very core of a system that depends on correctional officers to keep inmates safe,” Chief Judge Bastian noted at sentencing.
Defendant: Eric Christian
Criminal Charges: Conspiracy to Provide Prohibited Objects to an Inmate of a Prison
City and State: Richland, Washington
Exact Date: December 2021 (guilty plea)
Sentence: 46 months in federal prison, three years supervised release
Key Facts
- State: Washington
- Category: Violent Crime|Public Corruption
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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