Former Multnomah County corrections deputy accused of smuggling drugs to man in jail

A former Multnomah County corrections deputy is accused of developing a relationship with a man in jail and later smuggling drugs to him.

Devona Preble was arrested Tuesday and booked at the Multnomah County Detention Center after a monthslong investigation, the sheriff’s office said.

Preble, 43, faces three felony charges, including supplying contraband, and four misdemeanor counts of official misconduct.

Recorded jail phone calls show Preble in early 2023 began a relationship with a man in custody at the Multnomah County Detention Center, according to a sheriff’s office statement. She was employed by the sheriff’s office as corrections deputy at the time.

In February 2023, Preble brought drugs into the downtown jail to Markus Jimenez, according to the indictment.

In May 2023, when Portland police officers responded to a domestic disturbance at Preble’s residence, Preble tried to prevent them from apprehending Jimenez by concealing his identity, the sheriff’s office statement said. Once he was identified, Preble told the officers that she was a Multnomah County corrections deputy, according to the statement.

The sheriff’s office terminated Preble, according to its statement, then launched a criminal investigation in January 2024.

“Our deputies take an oath to uphold the law and maintain the highest ethical standards,” Multnomah County Sheriff Nicole Morrisey O’Donnell said. “The actions of this former employee violated that oath and compromised the integrity of our agency. This case underscores our commitment to accountability and public trust.”

Preble is scheduled to appear Friday in Multnomah County Circuit Court.

About The Author