Kentucky State Police Post 1 Arrests Kentucky State Penitentiary Employee for Sexual Offenses in Lyon County

EDDYVILLE, Ky. (July 29, 2026) – Upon the Kentucky Department of Corrections conducting an internal investigation, the Kentucky State Penitentiary contacted the Kentucky State Police Post 1 on July 28 advising they had become aware of an employee having a sexual relationship with an inmate. Troopers responded to the scene and opened an investigation. 

The employee has been identified as Raven West, 23 years old of Paducah, Ky. 

Based upon the preliminary investigation, including interviews with West and the victim, the employee has been arrested and charged with two (2) counts of Rape 3rd Degree, one (1) count of Sodomy 3rd Degree and one (1) count of Official Misconduct 1st Degree. She was transported to the Crittenden County Jail. The investigation remains ongoing by Trooper Derek Scott.

Please attribute the below statement to the Kentucky Department of Corrections:

The Kentucky Department of Corrections does not tolerate any behaviors that undermine the security of a prison, the successful supervision of probation and parole clients, or public safety. For those employees who choose to violate the law or Department policy, the Department will respond accordingly.

Raven West was employed by the Department as a Corrections Recreation Leader at the Kentucky State Penitentiary. West submitted her resignation on July 29, which has been accepted with prejudice, and she will not be permitted to work for the Department or any other agency within the Justice and Public Safety Cabinet.