Kern Valley State Prison bribery and smuggling indictment

A married couple, Rachel Bernal and Rodney Dunn, has been indicted on federal charges for allegedly bribing a Kern Valley State Prison employee to smuggle contraband into the facility.

According to federal authorities, the couple paid a prison janitor more than $7,500 between January and September 2025 to deliver fentanyl, methamphetamine, cell phones, and other prohibited items. Bernal allegedly met the janitor at hotels in Delano to provide the contraband, using both cash and electronic payments. The janitor reportedly concealed the items, including using a lunch bag, to bypass security.

The scheme was uncovered following enhanced security inspections of prison employees prompted by rising levels of contraband. The janitor has already pleaded guilty and awaits sentencing in December.

Bernal, 48, of Victorville, was taken into custody following a search warrant. If convicted, she faces 10 years to life in prison. Dunn, 48, who is currently incarcerated at Kern Valley due to a 1996 murder conviction, is being transferred to federal custody. He faces a potential sentence of 15 years to life in prison.