MONTICELLO, N.Y. — A former correction officer is accused of repeatedly smuggling methamphetamine and cellphones into Woodbourne Correctional Facility in exchange for more than $17,000, prosecutors said.
Former corrections officer Kyle Raven is among eight people charged in five indictments stemming from a public corruption investigation at the state prison, Sullivan County District Attorney Brian Conaty announced.
Raven allegedly brought the contraband into the prison multiple times at the request of inmate Andrew Stoughtenger. Stoughtenger’s wife, Amy Preston, also known as Amy Stoughtenger, is accused of helping facilitate the operation.
Preston allegedly used her company, Freedom Foods, a vendor for New York Department of Corrections and Community Supervision facilities, to conceal payments from inmates. Raven received the money through cash and Cash App payments from Preston and Stoughtenger, according to Conaty.
Raven faces charges including second-degree bribe receiving, first-degree promoting prison contraband, fourth-degree money laundering, second-degree receiving a reward for official misconduct and official misconduct.
Stoughtenger, Preston and inmate Dylan Coats were also charged in connection with the alleged conspiracy. Four additional indictments charge inmates with possessing contraband believed to have come from the operation.
The investigation began after Woodbourne COs seized several cellphones from inmates and discovered records connected to those charged. Investigators also recovered cellphone chargers and other accessories.
New York State Police joined the investigation in February after receiving information that contraband was being brought into the facility. Investigators later collected financial, biometric and digital evidence, officials said.
“Such conduct fuels violence, addiction, intimidation and disorder within our correctional institutions, placing fellow officers, prison staff, inmates and the public at greater risk,” Conaty said.
Raven, Preston and the incarcerated defendants pleaded not guilty. Raven and Preston were released under court-ordered conditions, while the remaining defendants remain in DOCCS custody.
The investigation was conducted by the Sullivan County District Attorney’s Office, New York State Police and the DOCCS Office of Special Investigations.
