As a former California corrections officer, 26-year-old Tina Gonzalez had sworn an oath to uphold the law and keep inmates safe.
Sadly, she violated her oath by engaging in a shocking and repulsive act that put both her coworkers and victims of imprisoned criminals in danger.
Tina Gonzalez should serve as an example of what not to do if you are a correctional officer.
It was an anonymous tip from another inmate at the Fresno County Jail that revealed the stunning details of Tina Gonzalez’s misdeeds.
According to this tip, she had sexual relations with another inmate and provided him with dangerous contraband like alcohol, drugs, razors and even a cell phone.
Assistant Sheriff Steve McComas—who had worked at the jail for 26 years—was appalled by these revelations, despite seeing some “pretty disgusting things” throughout his career.
In addition to providing these items, Gonzalez also modified her work uniform so that it would be easier for her lover to access her body while they were inside the jail…gross.
She gave no thought whatsoever to how these actions might endanger those who worked alongside her or harm those who had already been victimized by the convicted criminal she was sleeping with.
After being arrested and pleading no contest on three counts – including sexual activity between a detention facility employee with consenting adult in confinement – one would expect serious consequences for this type of behavior.
However, despite Assistant Sheriff McComas asking for the maximum punishment (three years plus eight months) due to lack of remorse on Gonzales’ part and continuous phone calls between herself and her lover despite being caught, Judge Michael Idiart only issued a sentence of seven months in county jail plus two years probation.
Her defense attorney tried his best to defend his client saying that it “was never her intention to bring any harm or danger,” but Judge Idiart still acknowledged that Gonzales’ actions were “terrible” and “stupid.”
He further suggested that she could redeem herself going forward however, it is clear that Tina Gonzales should have known better than to stoop so low as a corrections officer.
It goes without saying that such disgraced behavior will never be tolerated again within our prison system – hopefully others can learn from this situation too before making similar mistakes down the line.
