Former guard at Coffee Creek women’s prison receives 20-month sentence for sexual misconduct
(Update: Adding video)
HILLSBORO, Ore. (KTVZ) -- On May 9, Levi David Gray, a former Coffee Creek Correctional Facility sergeant, pleaded guilty to two counts of custodial sexual misconduct in the first degree. Last Friday, Gray was sentenced to 20 months in prison and five years of probation.
The former guard at Oregon's only women's prison was accused of sexual acts with an incarcerated woman with a diagnosed psychiatric disability, OPB reported. He also faces at least three civil lawsuits alleging sexual abuse of inmates over a recent six-year period.
The Oregon Department of Corrections said in a statement Tuesday that it "remains committed to upholding professionalism, integrity, and accountability. The custodial sexual misconduct committed by former Correctional Sergeant Levi Gray is deeply troubling and disappointing. His actions violate the agency’s mission and undermine the trust placed in it by the public, staff, and adults in custody."
"Sexual misconduct is unacceptable in any setting, but it is particularly egregious in a correctional environment, where power dynamics must never be abused," the department said. "DOC continues to work diligently to prevent such violations through staff training, reporting mechanisms, and technology.
"The agency reaffirms its commitment to transparency, accountability, and justice. The Oregon Department of Corrections has zero tolerance for misconduct, and decisive action will continue to be taken to uphold ethical and legal responsibilities."
KTVZ News reported Monday that a former contract worker at the Deer Ridge state prison near Madras is accused of sexual acts with an inmate at least twice while working at the facility.
Department of Corrections Director Michael Reese provided a recorded statement with Tuesday's announcement regarding the former Coffee Creek sergeant, sharing much the same message:
DOC said it employs 4,600 staff members at 12 institutions, two community corrections offices, and several centralized support facilities throughout the state. The agency is responsible for the care and custody of over 12,000 adults sentenced to more than 12 months of incarceration, and direct or indirect supervision of 24,000 offenders on felony supervision in the community. DOC is recognized nationally among correctional agencies for providing adults in custody with the cognitive, education, and job skills needed to become productive citizens when they transition back to their communities.
