Former Salinas Valley State Prison employee faces contraband smuggling and weapons possession charges.

A Greenfield man who formerly worked as a corrections lieutenant at Salinas Valley State Prison in Soledad is facing federal charges alleging he smuggled contraband into the correctional facility in exchange for $100,000 in payments from an inmate. 

Matthew L. Madsen, 39, worked at SVSP from 2017-2025, according to prosecutors. The criminal complaint filed on Feb. 4 and unsealed on Feb. 9 alleges that he smuggled cell phones and tobacco into the prison at an inmate's request, and was paid to do so by an inmate identified in court papers as "Individual One."

That ran counter to his duties working for the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, according to a statement from the U.S. Attorney's Office: "Like all state correctional employees, Madsen was obligated to prevent the introduction of contraband into the prison, confiscate any contraband located in the prison, and report its presence."

According to the criminal complaint, Madsen associated with Individual One's spouse—identified as "Individual Two"—and his telephone number exchanged 177 voice calls and 1,208 text messages with Individual Two between Feb. 21, 2023-April 19, 2025.

In an interview with federal agents on Feb. 3, he allegedly admitted to the smuggling and said he had received about $100,000 in cash and Zelle payments combined. (At least three other unidentified people were involved in transferring the funds to Madsen, according to prosecutors.)

In a text message sent from Individual One to Individual Two (their spouse) on June 2, 2024, the inmate wrote: "When u wake up send 1500 to [Individual Five] for me or [Individual Four] and have her send it to M please love u b4 he start bugging u." Prosecutors believe M refers to Madsen. 

Madsen made his first appearance in federal court in San Jose on Monday, Feb. 9 and was released on bond.

Also on Feb. 9, Madsen was charged with five state crimes in Monterey County Superior Court. He faces four counts of possession of an assault weapon (relating to four separate weapons) and one count for failure to have a proper serial number on a gun.

"As a result of the federal investigation, we learned of these potential crimes," says Assistant District Attorney Marisol Mendez. While few details have been released yet in that case, Mendez adds, "We don't believe he was involved in any sort of ghost gun operation."

Madsen has not yet appeared in court in Salinas or entered a plea in the alleged weapons crimes.  

Madsen could not immediately be reached for comment, and it is not immediately clear whether he has yet retained legal counsel. 

If convicted on the federal charges, Madsen faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.

"CDCR resolutely condemns any staff member—especially a peace officer who is trusted to enforce the law—who violates their oath and shatters the trust of the public," a CDCR spokesperson writes by email. 

The agency utilizes cameras, screening incoming mail and daily cell searches in efforts to prevent contraband from entering its facilities.

CDCR initiated the investigation then provided evidence to other investigators, including the FBI which partnered in the case, the spokesperson adds. 

Madsen was terminated by CDCR on Oct. 14, 2025.