A Lake County correctional officer has been arrested for trafficking contraband into the Lake County jail.
Lake County Police officers on May 31 arrested via warrant John R. Hoch, 56, for allegedly smuggling in cell phones and other contraband to inmates, Lake County Sheriff’s Department spokeswoman Pam Jones said in a release. Hoch, of Dyer, has been a correctional officer for Lake County for three-and-a-half years, Jones said.
Hoch faces charges of trafficking, a Level 5 felony, and official misconduct, a Level 6 felony, court records state. A warrant has been filed for his arrest.
Lake County Sheriff Oscar Martinez Jr. called Hoch’s arrest an “unfortunate situation” but said “the actions of this individual should not undermine or overshadow the integrity and commitment of our team.”
“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,” Martinez said in the release. “The case does not reflect poorly upon the dedication and professionalism demonstrated each day by the majority of our correctional staff. We remain steadfast in our mission to uphold the law and to maintain the highest standards of conduct within our jail environment.
“Trafficking will not be tolerated. We will relentlessly pursue any and all individuals who engage in this kind of crime.”
Michelle L. Quinn is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
