FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (21-28)

CONTACT Laura Strimple, Chief of Staff

OFFICE 402-479-5713 | laura.strimple@nebraska.gov 

February 25, 2021 (McCook, Neb.) – Kerstan Slater, (29), a unit caseworker at the Work Ethic Camp (WEC) in McCook, was arrested today by the Nebraska State Patrol for unauthorized communication with a prisoner (Neb. Rev. Stat. §83-417).

Slater has been employed by the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services (NDCS) since October 15, 2018. She has only worked at WEC during that time. Slater resigned her position with the agency.  

NDCS Director Scott R. Frakes expressed disappointment and frustration concerning this latest arrest involving a staff member accused of inappropriate conduct with an inmate. Unauthorized communication with a prisoner is a Class IV felony.

“From the moment staff members are brought on board NDCS, we warn them of the need to maintain professional boundaries. This is not frivolous advice. It is imperative for their own personal safety, not to mention the impact these types of actions can have on their careers.”

Dir. Frakes reiterated that the agency had a zero-tolerance policy for this type of behavior.

“We work closely with law enforcement to pursue these investigations. Staff members who willfully break the law by engaging in unlawful actions with inmates face serious consequences.”

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