(EDDYVILLE, Ky.) — A Kentucky State Penitentiary employee has been arrested and charged with multiple sexual offenses following an internal investigation into her relationship with an inmate, Kentucky State Police said.
The Kentucky Department of Corrections notified KSP Post 1 on July 28 after becoming aware that an employee was having a sexual relationship with an inmate at the prison. Troopers responded and launched an investigation.
The employee, identified as 23-year-old Raven West of Paducah, was arrested following interviews with West and the victim. She faces two counts of third-degree rape, one count of third-degree sodomy and one count of first-degree official misconduct. West was booked into the Crittenden County Jail.
Trooper Derek Scott is continuing the investigation.
West had worked for the Department of Corrections as a Corrections Recreation Leader at Kentucky State Penitentiary. She submitted her resignation Wednesday, which was accepted with prejudice — barring her from future employment with the department or any other agency under the Justice and Public Safety Cabinet.
In a statement, the Kentucky Department of Corrections said it “does not tolerate any behaviors that undermine the security of a prison, the successful supervision of probation and parole clients, or public safety,” adding that employees who violate the law or department policy will face consequences.
