MDC Corrections Officer Arrested on Job, Alleged to Have Sexual Relationship with Violent Felony Inmate

Bernalillo County, N.M. – A Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) corrections officer has been arrested, accused of an inappropriate and illegal relationship with an MDC inmate.

On Tuesday, MDC Corrections Officer Chevonne Culbreath was taken into custody at the Metropolitan Detention Center, accused of having an inappropriate relationship with an inmate currently in custody at MDC.

According to a criminal complaint, Culbreath and an inmate were having intimate encounters with each other over the last month or so. The most recent incident involved the inmate and Culbreath entering a closet and engaging in sexual acts. We are not naming the inmate, but he has been in MDC since April 2024. He does have an extensive violent criminal record ranging from aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, negligent use of deadly weapon (discharge), stolen vehicles, child abuse, and battery on a police officer.

MDC leadership was made aware of the alleged relationship on Tuesday, September 17. The allegations were immediately reported to the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) and an investigation was initiated. As a result, Culbreath was removed from her post, placed under arrest, and was transported from MDC property in handcuffs. She was taken to BCSO headquarters to be interviewed and was later transported back to MDC for booking Tuesday evening.

In addition to BCSO’s investigation, MDC has launched its own investigation into these allegations. Culbreath was a probationary employee, who began her employment with MDC on Oct. 23, 2023.

“MDC leadership is deeply disappointed by the alleged actions of this corrections officer, which have undermined the integrity and trust we strive to uphold within our institution. Behavior of this nature will not be tolerated, and we are committed to ensuring that corrupt officers are swiftly identified and removed from our ranks,” says MDC Warden Kai Smith. “We will continue working in close partnership with the judicial system to ensure that the highest levels of accountability are enforced.”

Culbreath is also accused of receiving contraband from a person outside the facility, with the intention of smuggling the substance into MDC. The criminal complaint states, Culbreath got in contact with the inmate’s “baby momma” at a local Walmart to receive a breakfast burrito. Inside the burrito was THC wax for the inmate.

As a probationary employee, Culbreath is eligible to be terminated for these allegations and MDC has already completed that process. Culbreath has been charged with Criminal Sexual Penetration (2^nd Degree) (Inmate) and Attempt to Commit a Felony (Bringing Contraband into Places of Imprisonment.) Culbreath was arraigned Wednesday afternoon and was ordered held by the Metropolitan Court judge. Her case is now being transferred to District Court.