GUAM — A Guam Department of Corrections (DOC) officer has been arrested, becoming the third DOC personnel taken into custody in just three months.
According to Guam Police Department records, Brian Joon Yong Cha was arrested Wednesday on suspicion of illegal possession of a controlled substance and official misconduct. He is currently being held at the Department of Corrections. Further details about the arrest have not yet been released.
This arrest follows two previous high-profile cases involving DOC staff:
Earlier in August, Corrections Officer II Felix Q. Sanchez was arrested after allegedly assaulting an off-duty GPD officer outside Club Icon in Tumon. Sanchez was charged with aggravated assault, destruction of evidence, and has been placed on administrative leave while the investigation continues. Police say Sanchez struck the officer in the face and later attempted to cover up the incident by deleting call logs and messages.
In May, Corrections Officer Brian Andrew Whalen and his incarcerated brother, Ezekiel John Whalen, were arrested after drugs and tobacco were smuggled into the Hagåtña Detention Facility using boxes of Raisinets. Whalen faces multiple felony charges, including possession with intent to deliver and promoting prison contraband, and could face up to 18 years in prison. Ezekiel Whalen also faces multiple charges and up to 17 years if convicted.
These incidents have raised growing concerns about misconduct and criminal activity within Guam’s correctional system.
