According to a report in the Times of Northwest Indiana, in a recent ruling by the corrections merit board on Thursday, Lake County Jail correctional officer Kylie Peters has been found liable on charges of violating policies and procedures. The board concluded that Peters engaged in activity deemed “unbecoming” of an officer while on duty.
Peters faced seven charges in connection with multiple incidents dating back to December 2023. The allegations revolve around surveillance footage showing Peters and another officer in compromising positions in an area commonly referred to as a “blind spot” within the jail. The footage purportedly depicts the officers engaging in inappropriate behavior, including what appears to be oral sex.
During the hearings, defense attorney Andy Kyres argued that there were over 40 videos showing the two officers in the blind spot area. He offered explanations for some instances, such as Peters allegedly losing a post from her earring and the other officer assisting her in searching for it. However, the sheer volume of videos raised doubts about the credibility of these explanations.
Peters’ attorney, Christopher Cooper, vehemently denied the allegations, stating that his client never engaged in such behavior and labeling the charges as “disgusting.” Cooper accused Sheriff Todd Wasmer and Warden Oscar Martinez of fabricating claims of numerous encounters for their own agenda.
The case has also sparked a lawsuit for sexual harassment against jail staff members, including Assistant Warden Kimberly O’Connor and Deputy Warden Kimberly Cox. Cooper described the situation as “sexual harassment at its worst,” emphasizing the trauma inflicted on Peters by her superiors.
According to disciplinary documents, Peters was observed engaging in inappropriate physical contact with another officer on a separate occasion, further supporting the allegations of unprofessional conduct.
Lake County Sheriff Oscar Martinez Jr. expressed support for the merit board’s decision, stating, “The Merit Board did its job.” Martinez clarified that the other officer involved had resigned before any charges were filed, hence not being named in the report.
The disciplinary process involves evidentiary hearings conducted by the merit board, which ultimately decides on the appropriate course of action. Martinez confirmed that the next merit board meeting is scheduled for May 16, with the possibility of a decision regarding Peters’ termination.
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