Ex-California Officer Admits Planting Prison Contraband

Avelino Ramirez, a former California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation K-9 officer and later sergeant, pleaded guilty to federal wire fraud for planting drugs, weapons, cell phones, and other contraband in San Quentin State Prison and the California Medical Facility in Vacaville, then falsely claiming to discover them. The scheme, which ran from October 2021 to February 2024, aimed to boost his status, secure a promotion, and obtain about $8,200 in fraudulent overtime pay. Ramirez sometimes disguised narcotics with salt, sugar, or lawn trimmings and submitted false reports. Prosecutors noted Ramirez's remorse and stated he did not implicate any inmates in the scheme. He is currently free on bond, with sentencing set for September 18, where he faces up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, but prosecutors may recommend probation and repayment of overtime. The case underscores serious breaches of trust and integrity within the prison system.