U.S. Attorney Phillip Talbert | U.S. Department of Justice
Stephen Joseph Crittenden, a former correctional officer at the California Medical Facility in Vacaville, has been sentenced to two years and one month in prison. The sentencing was announced by U.S. District Judge Troy L. Nunley and U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert.
Crittenden, 44, from Suisun City, was convicted of accepting over $45,000 in bribes from inmates between 2021 and 2023. In exchange for these payments, he smuggled 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 emphasized that the sentence serves as a deterrent for other officers who might consider similar actions.
FBI Sacramento Special Agent in Charge Sid Patel highlighted the agency's stance against corruption: “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. No person is above the law.” Patel also noted the effective collaboration between the FBI and California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) in addressing this case.
The investigation was led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with support from CDCR. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas M. Fogg handled the prosecution.
