Yuba County Officer Arrested Smuggling Cell Phones into Jail

Martin Palacios Lugo, a correctional officer at Yuba County Jail, was arrested on charges of bribery, criminal conspiracy, and possession of wireless communication devices after an investigation revealed he smuggled multiple cell phones into the jail. The investigation began when deputies discovered two hidden cell phones in an inmate housing unit, and a subsequent search of Lugo and his vehicle uncovered three additional phones and over $2,000 in cash. Lugo resigned from his position following his arrest, which sheriff officials say damages public trust and endangers staff, inmates, and the public. In a related case, North Dakota inmate Paul Cavanaugh was sentenced to five years concurrently with his current sentence after pleading guilty to felony charges for possession of contraband, including cell phones and tobacco, smuggled into the State Penitentiary by former corrections officer Katie Fields. Fields admitted to bringing in these items at Cavanaugh's request and was granted probation after cooperating with authorities. Both cases highlight ongoing concerns about contraband smuggling in correctional facilities and its impact on safety and security.