Exeter ex-prison officer sentenced to 14 months for misconduct and drug supply
Monika Richards pleaded guilty at Exeter Crown Court
A former prison officer from Devon, Monika Richards, has been sentenced to 14 months in prison at Exeter Crown Court.
Richards, 46, from Okehampton, pleaded guilty to misconduct in public office and supplying class C drugs.
The South West Regional Organised Crime Unit (SWROCU) found that while working at HMP Exeter, she failed to report a prisoner in possession of an illicit mobile phone and had communicated with him using the device.
During a search, two small mobile phones were discovered hidden in the inmate’s cell.
Call records indicated contact between the prisoner and Richards.
Further investigation into Richards’ own devices revealed she was also involved in supplying diazepam, a class C drug, to her associates.
SWROCU Corruption Investigator PC Mark Paterson commented on the case.
“Richards would have been fully aware of her duty to inform supervisors that a serving prisoner was in possession of a mobile phone and that she had been having phone contact with him.
"Illicit mobile phones in the hands of criminals allows them the opportunity to continue their criminality both inside the prison and in the community.
"Prison staff neglecting their duty by failing to report the existence of such phones can potentially lead to further serious crimes being committed and leave themselves open to manipulation and blackmail by prisoners.
"Richards further offended by supplying controlled drugs outside of the prison estate.
"Her actions fell far below what would be expected of a public servant in a position of trust."