BAY COUNTY, FL – The Bay County Sheriff’s Office announced today the arrest of a Detention Deputy employed at the Bay County Jail.
During the period between April 7 to May 7, 2021, other Detention Deputies working at the Jail noticed behavior between Detention Deputy Elaina Stimel and an inmate suggesting an inappropriate staff and inmate relationship and reported their concerns to the administration at the Jail. An investigation started and evidence was collected.
Stimel was observed taking a blue latex glove out of her pocket and passing it to the inmate, who put it in the pocket of his jail uniform. The glove appeared to have something inside of it. The inmate’s quarters were searched and three letters between Stimel and the inmate were located, confirming an emotional relationship between the two, and a request by the inmate for additional contraband from Stimel.
Stimel, age 35, was arrested and charged with Introduction of Contraband to a Detention Facility.
“We hold our Detention Deputies to the highest standard,” Sheriff Tommy Ford said. “ An expectation met by the vast majority who carry out a very difficult job every day with integrity and dedication. Anything less will not be tolerated.”