Former Jail Officer Sentenced for Inmate Sexual Assault

Kevin L. Bell pleaded guilty to second-degree custodial sexual misconduct after assaulting a female inmate at the Benton County Jail in Washington.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A former Benton County corrections officer, Kevin L. Bell, was sentenced to the minimum of six months in jail for sexually assaulting a female inmate while on duty at the Kennewick jail in 2023. Bell pleaded guilty to second-degree custodial sexual misconduct, a felony, and will also face a year of community custody and mandatory sexual deviancy treatment.

Why it matters

This case highlights the serious breach of trust when a corrections officer abuses their position of power to sexually assault an inmate, undermining the integrity of the criminal justice system. The victim reported feeling betrayed and having her trust in authority figures damaged, leading to further legal troubles.

The details

According to court documents, in December 2023 Bell summoned the female inmate from the laundry room to an office, pressed himself against her, and said he wanted to have sex. Later that evening, he exposed himself and forced the inmate to touch him inappropriately. Over the next two months, Bell allegedly tried several more times to get the same woman alone and made sexual remarks to her.

  • In December 2023, the incidents of sexual assault occurred.
  • In February 2024, the inmate came forward and reported the incidents, triggering the investigation.
  • In December 2025, Bell pleaded guilty to second-degree custodial sexual misconduct.
  • On February 12, 2026, Bell was sentenced to the minimum of six months in jail.

The players

Kevin L. Bell

A 43-year-old former Benton County corrections officer who worked at the Kennewick jail for nearly five years and pleaded guilty to second-degree custodial sexual misconduct for sexually assaulting a female inmate.

The Victim

A female inmate at the Benton County Jail who was sexually assaulted by corrections officer Kevin L. Bell in December 2023. The experience damaged her trust in authority figures and the justice system, leading to further legal troubles.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I would like to apologize to everyone for my conduct.”

— Kevin L. Bell (Tri-City Herald)

“A person who is incarcerated should not be subjected to sexual assault by a corrections officer.”

— Judge Bronson Brown (Tri-City Herald)

What’s next

Bell will serve the minimum six-month sentence and then face a year of community custody and mandatory sexual deviancy treatment.

The takeaway

This case underscores the critical need to maintain the highest standards of integrity and professionalism among corrections staff, as any abuse of power to sexually assault inmates severely undermines the entire criminal justice system and erodes public trust.