Whatcom County corrections deputy accused of smuggling contraband to inmate
BELLINGHAM, Wash. - A veteran Whatcom County corrections deputy is suspected of smuggling contraband items, including marijuana edibles, to a female inmate at the Whatcom County Jail’s Work Center.
Corrections Deputy Christopher Frederic Baetz, 41, was booked into Skagit County Jail Monday on suspicion of second-degree introducing contraband into a correction facility, according to a Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office release Tuesday.
Skagit County Jail records showed bail had not been set as of Tuesday, the Bellingham Herald reported. It was not immediately known if he had a lawyer.
"Members of the Sheriff’s Office charged with the custody, care, and well-being of inmates are held to very high standards," Sheriff Bill Elfo said in the release. "The criminal conduct of Mr. Baetz in this matter represents a complete abrogation of those standards, expectations, and organizational norms. His actions are not representative of the value of other Sheriff’s Office employees."
Corrections deputies at the Work Center on Sunday learned that a female inmate had a cell phone, headphones, a phone charger, vaping materials and marijuana edibles within her dormitory, the release states, adding that all the items are prohibited for inmates.
Deputies began a preliminary investigation and found the contraband had been smuggled in by a corrections deputy. Command staff was notified and probable cause was established for Baetz’s arrest when he reported to work Monday, the release states.
Baetz has worked for the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office since 2006. The release said he will be relieved of duty pending administrative action.