Authorities at California’s Pleasant Valley State Prison detained a corrections officer late last month after they allegedly discovered fentanyl and other drugs in his possession.
According to a press statement from the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR), Sgt. Greg Reinaldo Clark, who has been employed by the agency for the last 23 years, was apprehended while on duty inside the protected area of Pleasant Valley State Prison in Coalinga.
CDCR authorities released a picture of the narcotics taken from Clark at the jail, but they did not disclose the quantity of fentanyl or any other substances.
Steve Smith, who is the prison warden, said in the press release that the inmate population, PVSP employees, and Clark himself were all placed at risk by Clark’s self-centered actions.
The synthetic opioid fentanyl has a fatal dosage of 2 milligrams. Dependence and addiction are the most possible outcomes. When mixed with other chemicals, particularly alcohol or other illegal narcotics like cocaine or heroin, or consumed in large dosages, it may induce respiratory distress and even death.
Opioids may not be any more effective than non-opioid pain treatments in treating pain, according to recent studies.
Officials from the CDCR announced Clark’s resignation on May 1st.
According to state compensation documents, Clark’s total pay and benefits for 2022 were over $200,000, including a basic salary of $97,701. He received $113,395 in overtime compensation during a four-year period that ended in 2022.
In a CDCR press release, Secretary Jeff Macomber severely condemned any staff member, especially peace officers, who violated their oath and betrayed the public’s confidence. Any employee who violates the law will face an investigation and be removed from their position.
According to documents from the Fresno County Jail, Clark (51) was taken into custody on charges of narcotics possession, paraphernalia, transportation or sale, narcotics entry into a correctional facility, and illegal contact with an inmate. He posted a bond of $80,200 after his arrest at the prison late Monday.
