Jail deputy suspected of smuggling contraband

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Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested a jail work center corrections deputy February 8 for allegedly supplying a female inmate with a phone, headphones, charger, vape products and marijuana edibles.

Christopher F. Baetz, 41, was booked into Skagit County Jail on suspicion of introducing contraband into a correctional facility in the second degree, which is a class C felony, according to a news release on the arrest.

“Members of the sheriff’s office charged with the custody, care, and well-being of inmates are held to very high standards,” sheriff Bill Elfo said. “The criminal conduct of Mr. Baetz in this matter represents a complete abrogation of those standards, expectations, and organizational norms. His actions are not representative of the value of other sheriff’s office employees. I appreciate that this incident was quickly reported and swiftly dealt with.”

On February 7, deputies assigned to the Whatcom County Jail Work Center found out that an inmate was in possession of a cell phone, headphones, phone charger, vaping materials and marijuana edibles, the release reported.

Deputies conducted a preliminary investigation that showed a person employed as a corrections deputy may have provided the contraband to the inmate. Deputies notified the command staff and the sheriff’s office launched a full criminal investigation, the news release reported.

The investigation established probable cause to arrest Baetz. Upon reporting to work February 8, Baetz, who has worked for the sheriff’s office since 2006, was arrested and booked into Skagit County Jail. As of February 9, the jail roster showed he was being held without bail. Baetz has since been removed from the jail roster.

The sheriff’s office investigation is ongoing. Sheriff’s office spokesperson Deb Slater said in an email Baetz was booked into Skagit County Jail to prevent the appearance of special privilege since it is an impartial location.

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