Former Deer Ridge officer caught in illicit prison relationship loses certification for life

MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) – State officials revoked the certification of Emily Fisk, a former corrections officer at Deer Ridge Correctional Institution, following an investigation into a sexual relationship she had with an inmate. Fisk resigned from her position in 2022 instead of termination after authorities discovered the unauthorized relationship and determined she had been untruthful during an internal inquiry.

The Corrections Policy Committee found that Fisk engaged in sexually harassing conduct and misused her position to develop an inappropriate relationship with an adult in custody. While Fisk initially provided misleading information to the Department of Corrections, investigators confirmed she had sent the inmate sexually explicit letters and participated in a plan to provide him with contraband.

The investigation sustained findings that Fisk authored four sexually explicit letters to the inmate. In one of the letters, Fisk wrote that she "was all his," a statement she initially denied making. Investigators also found that she had added the individual as a friend on Facebook.

Fisk reportedly admitted to writing four letters only after she was confronted with evidence, having previously claimed there was only one. She also falsely claimed the letters were written during her trial service period, though they were actually written after that period had ended. Melissa Lang-Bacho, the professional standards compliance coordinator who presented the review, noted during the proceedings that Fisk was "incapable of telling the truth" throughout the process.

The Corrections Policy Committee identified multiple moral fitness violations, including dishonesty and misuse of authority. Fisk's actions were found to have threatened the efficient operation of the Department of Corrections by violating the federal Prison Rape Elimination Act. The report noted that the inmate involved was legally unable to provide consent.

Officials expressed specific concern regarding a request from the inmate for Fisk to provide him with contraband. According to the committee report, Fisk took steps to contact a third party as part of a plan to supply the prohibited items. While there was no evidence that contraband was actually delivered, the report stated that Fisk attempted to set up a post office box for the inmate. The third party involved ultimately chose not to participate in the scheme.

A search of public records indicates Fisk has not faced criminal penalties related to the investigation. This differs from a previous case at the same facility involving Jobett Zamora, a former contract worker. Zamora served 10 days in jail last year after it was discovered she had a sexual relationship with an inmate at Deer Ridge.

The Jefferson County District Attorney's office has not yet provided information regarding why criminal charges have not been filed against Fisk. A request for comment was left with the office seeking clarification on the status of the case.

KTVZ News wants viewers to know that we have firsthand witnessed many positive programs happening at the Correctional Facility. In 2025, we captured a historic basketball game between the inmates and guards. It's part of a larger program to show inmates their true potential.

We've also reported on the many educational programs they have inside the prison.