Maine Corrections Officer Arrested For Smuggling &Sexual Assault

Authorities say a Penobscot County Corrections Officer, with just over two months of experience on the job, has been arrested for crimes he committed while on the job.

48-year-old Robert Ireland of Old Town was still working as a probationary employee at the Penobscot County Jail, after being hired as a corrections officer in July.

On September 19th, an inmate reported to a Correctional Supervisor, that Ireland had been bringing contraband into the jail. Subsequently, an investigation was launched by the Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigative Division, and what they found was more than just a simple case of smuggling contraband.

Cindy Campbell, Townsquare Media

According to a press release put out by the Penobscot County Sheriff's Office:

"Several interviews were conducted, facility searches took place, video and phone calls were reviewed...Through the investigation, detectives confirmed contraband was brought into the facility and inappropriate contact occurred between Ireland and two female inmates...Within 12 hours of receiving the information, probationary employee Robert Ireland (48) of Old Town was terminated and access to the facility ended."

Authorities arrested Ireland on Friday, September 22nd, and sent him to the Piscataquis County Jail, where he was charged with two counts of gross sexual assault and trafficking tobacco in jail.

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