Former Prison Sergeant Charged With Sex Crimes Was Medal Of Valor Awardee

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA — A former correctional officer recently arraigned on multiple felony charges related to lewd acts involving children was previously awarded for valor for aiding a wounded teen girl, Patch has learned.

William Eberly was awarded a "Medal of Valor" award for aiding a 17-year-old severely injured in a 2020 car crash until emergency services arrived. The recognition for "bravery in the line of duty" came from Corrections USA, a national group representing correction officers.

Eberly was, at the time, a correctional officer at the San Quentin Rehabilitation Center, according to California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation Lt. Guim’Mara Berry.

He began his career with the department as a correctional officer at San Quentin in 2008. He was promoted to sergeant supervisor in 2016.

Berry confirmed that Eberly received a valor award in 2022.

On Thursday, Eberly was arraigned in Martinez on an eleven-count complaint that includes forcible lewd acts on a child under 14, and lewd acts on a child aged 14 or 15, according to the Contra Costa District Attorney's Office.

The crimes happened between Nov. 1, 2020, and Dec. 12, 2024, in Contra Costa County, according to prosecutors.

Just months before, in September of 2020, Eberly had helped a girl involved in a crash while on his way home from work, ultimately receiving national recognition and the Medal of Valor, according to a Corrections USA announcement at the time.

"Sgt. Eberly held the head up of the young woman so she could continue to breathe," a news release said. "He held her head and rendered aid for almost 30 minutes until emergency services could intervene. The young woman’s injuries were so severe that she was rushed to the hospital by air ambulance. The young woman’s family calls Sgt. William Eberly their hero."

Eberly was employed as a correctional sergeant with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation at the time of his arrest, according to a statement from the district attorney's office.
But the incidents the district attorney changed him for did not occur at San Quentin, according to Berry.

Eberly pleaded not guilty to all charges at his arraignment. The judge set bail at $1,025,000. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Nov. 3.

SEE ALSO:

• Former Corrections Guard Charged With Lewd Acts Upon Children
• Prison Paramedic Admits To Sexually Abusing Seizure Patient In FCI Dublin 'Rape Club' Case
• 2 More Guards At Dublin "Rape Club" Prison Charged With Sexually Abusing Female Inmates
• 103 Women Abused In Dublin Jail To Be Paid $115M: Report
• FCI Dublin Prison To Close Permanently