Kentucky prison system in chaos after more than THIRTY workers are caught having sex with inmates behind bars, anally raping others and smuggling them drugs including meth for cash

More than 30 workers with the Kentucky Department of Corrections were caught having sex with inmates behind bars during a 16-month period, while others were found smuggling drugs and guns.

A shocking investigation by Herald-Leader revealed 59 cases of employee-on-inmate sexual offenses in the past five years, with 35 cases involving possible criminal charges.

Most recently, 42-year-old Amanda Kulka was charged with third-degree sodomy earlier this month for allegedly having a sexual relationship with an inmate half her age. 

The inmate, who has not been identified, was serving a lengthy sentence for burglary, assault and theft, according to the outlet.  

Meanwhile, at least 14 others were caught smuggling drugs like suboxone and meth into prisons in exchange for money. One officer faced charges for carrying a handgun.

More than 30 workers, including Trista Fox (left) and Amanda Kulka(right) with the Kentucky Department of Corrections were caught having sex with inmates behind bars during a 16-month period, while others were found smuggling drugs and guns

Meanwhile, at least 14 others were caught smuggling drugs like suboxone and meth into prisons in exchange for money. One officer faced charges for carrying a handgun. Pictured: Cynthia Kosman (left) and JMichael E. Collins (right), both charged with promoting contraband  

A shocking investigation by Herald-Leader revealed 59 cases of employee-on-inmate sexual offenses in the past five years, with 35 cases involving possible criminal charges. Pictured: Kentucky State Penitentiary

A total of 62 employees were either fired or resigned across 13 state prisons and a minimum-security prison camp, which together house more than 11,300 inmates.  

Experts say that troubles in Kentucky state prisons extend beyond inappropriate relationships or smuggling, and the same holds true for correctional facilities across the country.  

'Being a correctional officer is a very challenging job,' said Judah Schept, an associate professor in the School of Justice Studies at Eastern Kentucky University. 

'In the popular imagination, we think of these jobs as being exposed to extreme forms of violence, and of course, that can happen,' he said. 

'But more often, I think what you're dealing with are mundane daily tasks and being unappreciated and underpaid and feeling isolated and overworked. Given where you're working, this can lead to some problems,' Schept said.

DailyMail.com was able to identify and picture at least eight corrections officers who were charged with rape, sodomy, or sexual assault in recent years. 

In a federal lawsuit filed last year, Todd Steven Boyce, 56, was accused of sexually abusing an inmate in multiple ways between March and July 2022. Allegedly, prison officials were aware of his behaviors but made no effort to stop him. 

Todd Steven Boyce, 56, was accused of sexually abusing an inmate in multiple ways between March and July 2022. Allegedly, prison officials were aware of his behaviors but made no effort to stop him

A total of 62 employees were either fired or resigned across 13 state prisons and a minimum-security prison camp, which together house more than 11,300 inmates. Pictured: Joshua Rogers (left) charged with third-degree sodomy and Demar Jones (right) charged with sexual abuse 

Experts said that guards at Kentucky state prisons are not maintaining a proper distance from inmates, which ultimately led to the chaos. Pictured: Danny Ford (left) and Kyla Tillman (right) both charged with promotion of contraband 

Boyce, who was then the head chaplain at the Eastern Kentucky Correctional Complex, has pleaded not guilty to the criminal charges and is awaiting trial later this year.  

'Boyce bragged to plaintiff that he had been previously accused of sexual abuse by other inmates and nothing happened to him, so no one would believe plaintiff if he reported him,' the lawsuit alleges. 

In a different case, Trista Fox, 39, was charged with third-degree rape in December 2022 after a fellow officer caught her having sex with an inmate at Kentucky State Penitentiary in Lyon County. 

In the same year, Cynthia Kosman, a former officer at Metro Corrections, was arrested for allegedly working with inmates and others outside of the jail to smuggle drugs into the facility. 

She was suspended and later turned herself in. Last year, she was charged with official misconduct, promoting contraband and conspiracy to promote contraband.

Experts said that guards at Kentucky state prisons are not maintaining a proper distance from inmates, which ultimately led to the chaos.  

'Staff have complete control over inmates' lives. They decide if you get extra toilet paper or extra toothpaste or if you don't,' James Wells, a prison and jail consultant and former Ohio prison correctional officer said.

'If you're in an environment where you have nothing to bargain with but your body when you're dealing with people who hold all the power, then you might be forced to do things you wouldn't ordinarily do,' he said.

Experts say that troubles in Kentucky state prisons extend beyond inappropriate relationships or smuggling, and the same holds true for correctional facilities across the country. Pictured: Tanya V. Risinger(left) and Irvin D. Ware(right)

In a ten-minute interview with the outlet, Department of Corrections leaders refused to answer questions about sexual misconduct and smuggling behind the walls of state prisons 

To worsen the situation, the Kentucky Department of Corrections has been short-staffed, with more than half of the jobs vacant

In a ten-minute interview with the outlet, Department of Corrections leaders refused to answer questions about sexual misconduct and smuggling behind the walls of state prisons. 

Scott Jordan, deputy commissioner of adult institutions, only said his office takes any allegations of wrongdoing seriously. 

'We handle every piece of information the same, whether that be contraband or a relationship or whatever.' 

'The truth of the matter is, if we were not handling these situations in a very aggressive manner, the numbers would not be what they were,' he added. 

'The reason the numbers are high is because we're doing what we're supposed to do,' Jordan said.

To worsen the situation, the Kentucky Department of Corrections has been short-staffed, with more than half of the jobs vacant. 

Corrections officers had to work extra shifts, sometimes 72 hours a week, as reported by the outlet. 

 Only 47 percent of it 1,955 correctional officers positions are filled, forcing the department to pay millions of dollars in overtime to staff. 

“Our inmates are pretty keen observers of the environment that they’re living in. They know when we’re short-staffed in a severe way, as we are now.' 

'And of course, some of them are going to try to take advantage of that in nefarious ways,” Justice and Public Safety Secretary Kerry Harvey said in July 2022.