BELLINGHAM, Wash. — A local corrections deputy is now behind bars after he allegedly smuggled contraband to an inmate.
The Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office reports deputies discovered that an inmate had a cell phone with charger, headphones, vaping materials and marijuana edibles in their area at the Jail Work Center.
An investigation resulted in establishing probable cause to arrest Corrections Deputy Chris Baetz for introducing contraband into the facility, which is a Class C felony.
Baetz, who has been with the Sheriff’s Office for the last 15 years, was arrested when he reported for work Monday and then booked into the Skagit County Jail.
A full criminal investigation is ongoing.