In August, the San Quentin Rehabilitation Center, previously known as San Quentin State Prison, drew significant attention due to a troubling incident involving one of its guards. Keith Randle, a 55-year-old officer, was arrested for allegedly smuggling drugs into the facility for the purpose of selling them to inmates.
According to the San Jose Mercury News, Randle had served at California’s oldest prison for over a decade, seemingly leading an unremarkable life. The situation escalated on the morning of August 15, shortly after Randle began his shift at 8 a.m. He was informed that law enforcement officials were searching his vehicle.
During the search, authorities reportedly discovered a peanut butter jar in Randle’s backpack. However, this was no ordinary jar; it contained roughly 300 grams of methamphetamine and a small quantity of cannabis oil. Further investigation uncovered that police seized $3,350 in cash alongside the drugs.
When confronted by investigators, Randle distanced himself from the jar, claiming it didn’t belong to him. He explained that he had inadvertently taken a co-worker’s peanut butter jar and sandwich from the fridge the previous day and planned to return the jar that morning, entirely unaware of what was inside.
Prosecutors expressed doubts about Randle’s story, particularly after uncovering an astonishing amount of money—over $75,000—that had been transferred to him by inmates and their families. One striking transaction involved an inmate’s wife, who sent Randle nearly $40,000 over the course of a year, while simultaneously receiving about $93,000 in transfers from her husband and others incarcerated at the facility.
Randle was hired by the San Quentin Rehabilitation Center in 2012, earning a reported total compensation of around $80,000 last year. Prosecutors noted that the suspicious money transfers had begun in 2019.
Randle was arrested in late September and remained in custody until his initial court appearance on October 1. Following the hearing, the judge granted him bail while he awaits trial. If convicted, Randle could face up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1 million. His next court date is set for October 15.