EVERETT — A Snohomish County corrections deputy is accused of kissing an inmate on Christmas and gifting her contraband noodles and juice.
Prosecutors this week charged Randal Cornelius Johnson with second-degree custodial sexual misconduct, a gross misdemeanor.
Johnson, 53, has declined to speak with detectives. He is expected to answer to the charge in Everett District Court later this month.
Johnson has been on paid administrative leave since Jan. 18, Snohomish County sheriff’s spokeswoman Shari Ireton said Wednesday. He has worked for the county since 2000.
It is illegal for corrections officers or other law enforcement personnel to engage in sexual contact with anyone detained, under arrest or jailed.
Johnson was working a double shift at the jail at the time of the incident.
An inmate, whose name is redacted in court papers, claimed that the corrections deputy flirted with her and said he wanted to be with her, Snohomish County sheriff’s detective Larry Cole wrote in an affidavit.
She alleged Johnson provided her with contraband, including Top Ramen noodles with a foil seasoning packet — a product off limits to inmates per jail policy, according to court documents. He also allegedly gave her juice from the corrections officer security office, Cole wrote.
The woman also alleged that late on Christmas, Johnson stopped by her cell and made a sexual comment.
A few minutes later, he reportedly unlocked her cell door and requested that she meet him in the TV module room. The inmates were on bedtime lockdown at the time.
The woman said Johnson held her up against a wall and kissed her, Cole wrote.
Video evidence allegedly shows Johnson removing the woman from her cell and meeting her in a remote area out of the view of a camera. Video footage also shows him giving the woman juice, according to court records.
One inmate reportedly told investigators Johnson provided the woman Top Ramen that isn’t available in the commissary. Two other inmates said they witnessed the corrections deputy give the woman juice. She shared one of the drinks with another inmate, documents said.
Diana Hefley: 425-339-3463; hefley@heraldnet.com.
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