Police Arrest Two for Conspiracy to Trade Drugs for Sex at Coffee Creek Prison

Detectives believe the two sets of crimes were not connected.

Coffee Creek Correctional Facility Courtesy: dlrgroup.com

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - Oregon State Police detectives arrested two former Coffee Creek Correctional Facility maintenance employees Monday for conspiracy to trade drugs or illegal contraband for sexual favors with female inmates.

Detectives believe the two mens' crimes were not connected.

OSP Detective Patti Rhodes and Detective Jon Harrington arrested 37-year old Richard Kaleo Rick of Beaverton Monday on an outstanding felony arrest warrant for first-degree Custodial Sexual Misconduct, Unlawful Delivery of Heroin, Unlawful Delivery of Methamphetamine and two counts of Supplying Contraband.

The detectives say they also arrested a second suspect identified as 34-year old Troy Bryant Austin of St. Paul, on an outstanding felony arrest warrant charging 4 counts of Custodial Sexual Misconduct in the First Degree.

Lieutenant Gregg Hastings with Oregon State Police says that in November 2008 an OSP Criminal Investigations Division detective initiated the investigation after CCCF staff members discovered heroin in an inmate's cell.

"The investigation escalated when it was learned that female inmates were exchanging sexual favors with the two suspects for drugs or contraband that was unlawful for inmates to possess in the correctional facility."

He says working in conjunction with the Washington County District Attorney's Office, the investigation was presented before a Grand Jury which led to warrants being issued for both men on their respective charges.

Rick has been employed by the Department of Corrections less than one year as a Corrections Plumber. Austin was employed as a Facility Maintenance Specialist starting December 2005 until he resigned in March 2009. Both men's jobs placed them in contact with inmates as part of their maintenance-related duties.

Rick was transported to Clackamas County Jail and will be transferred to Washington County Jail. Austin was transported and lodged in Washington County Jail.