Lake County Corrections Officer John Hoch
Lake County Corrections Officer sold cell phones to inmates
Contributed By: The 411 News
Sheriff says investigation ongoing, scheme may have involved others
An investigation over the past several months has led to criminal charges against a Lake County correctional officer for allegedly trafficking cell phones and possibly other contraband to inmates at the Lake County Jail, Lake County Sheriff Oscar Martinez, Jr. announced in a statement on Saturday, June 1.
The Lake County Sheriff’s Department is still investigating factors including how many people may have been involved in this type of illegal activity.
Sheriff Martinez said in a statement, “On Friday May 31, 2024, a warrant for trafficking with inmates was issued for 56-year-old John Hoch, of Dyer.”
Hoch was taken into custody by Lake County Sheriff’s Department police officers. He faces Level 5 felony trafficking and Level 6 felony official misconduct charges. Hoch has been employed at the jail for 3 and a half years.
“The sheriff’s department takes trafficking at the jail seriously. This kind of unlawful scheme represents a clear violation of the standards and ethics upheld at our facility by the men and women who work tirelessly to maintain the safety and security of inmates and employees,” Sheriff Martinez said.
“It’s important to emphasize that while this was an unfortunate situation, the case does not reflect poorly upon the dedication and professionalism demonstrated each day by the majority of our correctional staff,” Sheriff Martinez said. “Trafficking will not be tolerated. We will relentlessly pursue any and all individuals who engage in this kind of crime.”
Story Posted:06/02/2024
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