LA PLATA, Md., June 6, 2025 — Former Charles County corrections officer Kolbey Cooper, 22, pleaded guilty on June 5, 2025, to misconduct in office and introducing contraband into the Charles County Detention Center. The charges followed a March 28, 2025, grand jury indictment accusing Cooper of inappropriate conduct, including delivering an e-cigarette to an inmate. Cooper resigned from his position prior to the plea. “With this guilty plea, this former corrections officer has been held accountable by our agency and the legal process. We remain committed to maintaining the integrity of our correctional system and the public’s trust,” said Sheriff Troy D. Berry.
The investigation began in early February 2025 when fellow officers reported concerns about Cooper’s interactions with a female inmate. The Charles County Sheriff’s Office launched an immediate probe, uncovering evidence of inappropriate physical contact in a detention center hallway and the exchange of written notes, which violated facility protocols. Detectives also confirmed that Cooper provided the inmate with an e-cigarette, classified as contraband under Maryland law. The Maryland State Police define contraband as any unauthorized item, including smoking devices, in correctional facilities.
Cooper was suspended the same day the allegations surfaced, and the CCSO’s Criminal Investigations Division, working with the Charles County State’s Attorney’s Office, took over the case. The March 28 indictment charged Cooper with two counts of sexual contact with an incarcerated individual, two counts of fourth-degree sex offense, and one count of delivering contraband. Following his arrest that evening, a judge ordered his release on March 31 under electronic monitoring. A fourth-degree sex offense, a misdemeanor, carries up to one year in jail, while sexual contact with an inmate can result in felony charges, per the Maryland Courts website.
Sheriff Berry emphasized the importance of accountability, stating, “The integrity of our correctional system is paramount. We hold our officers to the highest standards, and when that trust is broken, we take swift and decisive action to hold those responsible accountable.” The CCSO’s Office of Professional Responsibility also initiated an administrative investigation to review Cooper’s conduct and ensure compliance with agency policies, a standard procedure in such cases.
The case reflects Maryland’s strict regulations governing correctional staff behavior. The dual criminal and administrative investigations underscore the CCSO’s commitment to addressing misconduct thoroughly. Cooper’s guilty plea resolves the criminal charges, though sentencing details were not provided. The CCSO continues to prioritize public trust, ensuring that violations of protocol are met with appropriate consequences.
