A Louisville Metro Corrections officer accused of having sex with an inmate appeared before a judge Monday morning to answer to that charge and others.
During a proceeding that lasted less than five minutes, Officer James Mikesell entered a plea of not guilty in Jefferson District Court.
Mikesell is charged with tampering with physical evidence, sexual assault and official misconduct. The charges stem from what has been described as an "inappropriate relationship" with a female inmate.
"Mr. Mikesell maintains his innocence of all these charges," said Steve Schroering, Mikesell's attorney. "We're awaiting any evidence that they say they have to review that so we can actively defend the case."
Mikesell is on unpaid leave from Metro Corrections and has been removed from a freshman high school coaching position at Butler Traditional High School pending the outcome of the case.
He is scheduled to return to court for a pre-trial hearing March 26.
Showing posts with label sex with inmates. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sex with inmates. Show all posts
Monday, March 01, 2010
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Detention Officer Anthony Lavis Charged with Having Sex with Inmates
A Kern County sheriff's detention officer has been charged with sexually assaulting female inmates in the Kern County jail just weeks after another deputy was charged with having unlawful sex with an inmate, charges filed in court Thursday say.
Sheriff Donny Youngblood has scheduled a news conference Thursday afternoon on the matter, but would not comment further.
Anthony Michael Lavis, 55, is scheduled to be arraigned Feb. 18 on the charges which include four felonies and three misdemeanors. Bail in the case is $170,000.
The incidents first came to the attention of deputies Oct. 15 when one of the alleged victims said Lavis touch her while she was in the shower, court records said. An investigation was begun and audio and video surveillance was set up in the victim's cell.
Audio equipment captured conversation of a sexual nature between Lavis and the victim, and Lavis touched the victim and digitally penetrated her, according to a probable cause declaration investigators filed.
Detectives were soon able to find three other women who said Lavis touched them inappropriately, the declaration filed in Kern County Superior Court said.
The second alleged victim said Lavis kissed and touched her while she was an inmate, and the third alleged victim said that while she was in custody and assigned to a work crew Lavis walked up behind her and rubbed against her, the declaration said.
The fourth alleged victim said Lavis wouldn't allow her to return to her housing unit after she was taken off suicide watch until she disrobed for him, court records said.
A fifth woman was later found who said she had received phone calls and flowers from Lavis after she was released from jail, court record said. She said she never provided contact information to Lavis and was surprised to hear from him. Lavis was able to find her by using a Sheriff's Office criminal database, the records said.
The charges against Lavis are forcible sexual penetration, assault by an officer and three counts of intimate touching, court records say.
The charges come a month after the department arrested Detention Deputy Margarita Young, 48, on charges of having unlawful sex at Lerdo Jail with Death Row inmate Timothy Rodriguez, 41.
She has pleaded not guilty and is scheduled for a preliminary hearing in March.
Sheriff Donny Youngblood has scheduled a news conference Thursday afternoon on the matter, but would not comment further.
Anthony Michael Lavis, 55, is scheduled to be arraigned Feb. 18 on the charges which include four felonies and three misdemeanors. Bail in the case is $170,000.
The incidents first came to the attention of deputies Oct. 15 when one of the alleged victims said Lavis touch her while she was in the shower, court records said. An investigation was begun and audio and video surveillance was set up in the victim's cell.
Audio equipment captured conversation of a sexual nature between Lavis and the victim, and Lavis touched the victim and digitally penetrated her, according to a probable cause declaration investigators filed.
Detectives were soon able to find three other women who said Lavis touched them inappropriately, the declaration filed in Kern County Superior Court said.
The second alleged victim said Lavis kissed and touched her while she was an inmate, and the third alleged victim said that while she was in custody and assigned to a work crew Lavis walked up behind her and rubbed against her, the declaration said.
The fourth alleged victim said Lavis wouldn't allow her to return to her housing unit after she was taken off suicide watch until she disrobed for him, court records said.
A fifth woman was later found who said she had received phone calls and flowers from Lavis after she was released from jail, court record said. She said she never provided contact information to Lavis and was surprised to hear from him. Lavis was able to find her by using a Sheriff's Office criminal database, the records said.
The charges against Lavis are forcible sexual penetration, assault by an officer and three counts of intimate touching, court records say.
The charges come a month after the department arrested Detention Deputy Margarita Young, 48, on charges of having unlawful sex at Lerdo Jail with Death Row inmate Timothy Rodriguez, 41.
She has pleaded not guilty and is scheduled for a preliminary hearing in March.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Two Corrections Officer Arrested for Misconduct
In less than a week, authorities in Cumberland County have arrested two corrections officers accused of misconduct on the job. Both face serious charges in unrelated cases.
Last week, an officer was charged with smuggling drugs in to the jail, and a second officer was accused Tuesday of having sex with an inmate.
Cumberland County Sheriff Mark Dion said he is disappointed over what he called "two corrupt corrections officers" at the Cumberland County Jail.
"It's a terrible feeling. I mean, we take an oath. The community grants us a responsibility and, more importantly, they trust us to do the job," Dion said. "We're supposed to be on the right side. So, when we discover our own is on the wrong side of the law, it's discouraging, it's embarrassing."
Gerald Gilbert Jr., 41, of South Portland, faces two charges of gross sexual assault following an internal investigation by the sheriff's office. Gilbert is accused of having sex with a female inmate at the Cumberland County Jail.
Dion said the same female inmate was receiving drugs from Toby Post, 38, of West Gardiner, who was charged last week with two felony counts of trafficking in prison contraband. Investigators determined Post was the middleman in delivering drugs to an inmate.
Dion said he has enough evidence to recommend to county leaders that both men lose their jobs.
"They have a common link with that particular inmate; however, they weren't necessarily working in concert," Dion said.
"We're supposed to be on the right side. So, when we discover our own is on the wrong side of the law, it's discouraging, it's embarrassing."
"The men and women who work in that facility are disgusted that two of our own have fallen to that level, but bad apples don't spoil the bunch," said Will Russell, president of the correction officers' union. "The men and women who work in that facility hold their heads up high, and rightfully so."
"Should there be some policy changes? We don't re-write the code for traffic court just because there are accidents out there and people are speeding. We just pay more attention and we will," Dion said.
Post is free on bail and has been placed on paid administrative leave pending an internal investigation.
Gilbert, who has been a corrections officer at the jail since January 2007, is on paid administrative leave pending a pre-termination hearing. He was released from jail on unsecured bail of $5,000. News 8 spoke with Gilbert at his home Tuesday night but he had no comment.
Both Gilbert and Post are due to be arraigned in court on March 10.
Last week, an officer was charged with smuggling drugs in to the jail, and a second officer was accused Tuesday of having sex with an inmate.
Cumberland County Sheriff Mark Dion said he is disappointed over what he called "two corrupt corrections officers" at the Cumberland County Jail.
"It's a terrible feeling. I mean, we take an oath. The community grants us a responsibility and, more importantly, they trust us to do the job," Dion said. "We're supposed to be on the right side. So, when we discover our own is on the wrong side of the law, it's discouraging, it's embarrassing."
Gerald Gilbert Jr., 41, of South Portland, faces two charges of gross sexual assault following an internal investigation by the sheriff's office. Gilbert is accused of having sex with a female inmate at the Cumberland County Jail.
Dion said the same female inmate was receiving drugs from Toby Post, 38, of West Gardiner, who was charged last week with two felony counts of trafficking in prison contraband. Investigators determined Post was the middleman in delivering drugs to an inmate.
Dion said he has enough evidence to recommend to county leaders that both men lose their jobs.
"They have a common link with that particular inmate; however, they weren't necessarily working in concert," Dion said.
"We're supposed to be on the right side. So, when we discover our own is on the wrong side of the law, it's discouraging, it's embarrassing."
"The men and women who work in that facility are disgusted that two of our own have fallen to that level, but bad apples don't spoil the bunch," said Will Russell, president of the correction officers' union. "The men and women who work in that facility hold their heads up high, and rightfully so."
"Should there be some policy changes? We don't re-write the code for traffic court just because there are accidents out there and people are speeding. We just pay more attention and we will," Dion said.
Post is free on bail and has been placed on paid administrative leave pending an internal investigation.
Gilbert, who has been a corrections officer at the jail since January 2007, is on paid administrative leave pending a pre-termination hearing. He was released from jail on unsecured bail of $5,000. News 8 spoke with Gilbert at his home Tuesday night but he had no comment.
Both Gilbert and Post are due to be arraigned in court on March 10.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Detentions Deputy Margarita Young Accused of Having Sex with Murderer
A Kern County Sheriff's Office detentions deputy is accused of having sex with an infamous murderer.
Deputy Margarita Young, an 11-year veteran of the department, was arrested Monday afternoon and booked into the central receiving facility. She was being held on $10,000 bail.
She allegedly had a consensual sexual relationship with Timothy Titus Rodriguez at the Lerdo Pre-Trial Facility. Rodriguez was sentenced to death last week for killing 90-year-old Thelma Long and beating her 59-year-old daughter, Cathryn Reeves, in 2007 over a dispute about the amount of money he was paid to do odd jobs around their house.
The investigation into Young's alleged actions began in November, the same month Rodriguez was convicted. Young has been on administrative leave since then.
Rodriguez has been transferred to San Quentin's death row.
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Information
Deputy Margarita Young, an 11-year veteran of the department, was arrested Monday afternoon and booked into the central receiving facility. She was being held on $10,000 bail.
She allegedly had a consensual sexual relationship with Timothy Titus Rodriguez at the Lerdo Pre-Trial Facility. Rodriguez was sentenced to death last week for killing 90-year-old Thelma Long and beating her 59-year-old daughter, Cathryn Reeves, in 2007 over a dispute about the amount of money he was paid to do odd jobs around their house.
The investigation into Young's alleged actions began in November, the same month Rodriguez was convicted. Young has been on administrative leave since then.
Rodriguez has been transferred to San Quentin's death row.
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Information
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Corrections Officer Mark Barber Accused of Extorting Sexual Favors From Inmates
A Long Island corrections officer is being accused of extorting sexual favors from female inmates.
Nassau County District Attorney Kathleen Rice says 47-year-old Mark Barber, of Levittown, was arrested Wednesday and charged with multiple counts of rape, sexual abuse, and forcible touching.
Rice says Barber used his position as a grievance officer for the Nassau County Correctional Center to engage in various sexual activity with female inmates.
Rice says Barber, a corrections officer since 1987, would target inmates who had histories of drug abuse, prostitution, or mental health treatment.
Barber's lawyer, Frederick James Annibale Jr., told reporters that his client denies the charges.
Barber is due back in court Jan. 4. If convicted, he faces up to 16 years in prison.
Nassau County District Attorney Kathleen Rice says 47-year-old Mark Barber, of Levittown, was arrested Wednesday and charged with multiple counts of rape, sexual abuse, and forcible touching.
Rice says Barber used his position as a grievance officer for the Nassau County Correctional Center to engage in various sexual activity with female inmates.
Rice says Barber, a corrections officer since 1987, would target inmates who had histories of drug abuse, prostitution, or mental health treatment.
Barber's lawyer, Frederick James Annibale Jr., told reporters that his client denies the charges.
Barber is due back in court Jan. 4. If convicted, he faces up to 16 years in prison.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Officer Malaika Mebane Arrested for Having Sex with Prisoner
A Philadelphia police officer has been arrested on suspicion of engaging in sexual activity with a prisoner inside a cell, the department announced tonight.
Officer Malaika T. Mebane, 38, was charged with involuntary deviate sexual assault and related offenses yesterday and was suspended for 30 days with intent to dismiss by Commissioner Charles H. Ramsey, police said.
Mebane was working as a cell block officer in the 35th District station, at Broad and Champlost Streets in the Ogontz section, early today when a female officer saw him with a female prisoner in a cell, police said. She was seated on a bench and he was facing her.
The prisoner later said she was performing oral sex on the officer.
Mebane, who was assigned to the 39th District, joined the force in 1992.
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http://www.kyw1060.com/Philadelphia-Police-Officer-Arrested/5462351
Officer Malaika T. Mebane, 38, was charged with involuntary deviate sexual assault and related offenses yesterday and was suspended for 30 days with intent to dismiss by Commissioner Charles H. Ramsey, police said.
Mebane was working as a cell block officer in the 35th District station, at Broad and Champlost Streets in the Ogontz section, early today when a female officer saw him with a female prisoner in a cell, police said. She was seated on a bench and he was facing her.
The prisoner later said she was performing oral sex on the officer.
Mebane, who was assigned to the 39th District, joined the force in 1992.
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http://www.kyw1060.com/Philadelphia-Police-Officer-Arrested/5462351
Friday, July 03, 2009
David Cade Arrested for Having Sexual Encounter with Inmate
A Dallas County jail guard has been arrested for having some sort of sexual encounter with an inmate.
It's unclear exactly what David Cade allegedly did because the Dallas County Sheriff's Department won't say -- even though they have arrested him and charged him.
Raul Reyna, a sheriff's spokesman, said Cade faces two charges of improper sexual activity with a person in custody. He said Cade was arrested yesterday when he came in to be interviewed at the sheriff's criminal investigations division about 1 p.m.
Cade was released early this morning on bond (set at $2,500 for each charge), Reyna said.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Detention Officer Leon Wood Accused of Sexually Assaulting to Inmates
Two female inmates at the Sebastian County Detention Center alerted workers that they had been sexually assaulted by 64-year-old Leon Wood, officials said.
Wood was a detention deputy and had access to all parts of the jail. The inmates said the assaults happened while they were both locked in a cell together. The alleged acts were committed both Sunday and Monday.
"The deputy had made contact with the victims throughout the night and committed the acts through out the night," said Bill Hollenbeck with the Sebastian County Sheriff's Office.
Both inmates were treated at a local hospital before being returned to the Detention Center.
After an investigation by the Sebastian County Sheriff's Office, deputies found surveillance video confirming the assault.
"We have footage of certain evidence that collaborates with what the victims have stated," Hollenbeck said.
Deputies said the detention centers policy was violated, as only female workers are suppose to make contact with female inmates. The sheriff's department is now investigating internal procedures at the detention center.
Wood has been charged with two counts of sexual assault in the third degree.
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http://www.swtimes.com/articles/2009/06/17/news/news061709_02.txt
Wood was a detention deputy and had access to all parts of the jail. The inmates said the assaults happened while they were both locked in a cell together. The alleged acts were committed both Sunday and Monday.
"The deputy had made contact with the victims throughout the night and committed the acts through out the night," said Bill Hollenbeck with the Sebastian County Sheriff's Office.
Both inmates were treated at a local hospital before being returned to the Detention Center.
After an investigation by the Sebastian County Sheriff's Office, deputies found surveillance video confirming the assault.
"We have footage of certain evidence that collaborates with what the victims have stated," Hollenbeck said.
Deputies said the detention centers policy was violated, as only female workers are suppose to make contact with female inmates. The sheriff's department is now investigating internal procedures at the detention center.
Wood has been charged with two counts of sexual assault in the third degree.
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http://www.swtimes.com/articles/2009/06/17/news/news061709_02.txt
Monday, June 08, 2009
Deputy Lance Berkley Charged with Having Sex with Inmate
A Montgomery County sheriff's deputy is charged with having sex with a female inmate at the County Jail.
A grand jury indicted Lance Berkley, 49, on Friday. A Jail supervisor says Berkley was fired from the jail on May following an internal investigation. The trouble started when an inmate told a staff member Berkley had sex with another inmate in a laundry area.
Investigators say the incident happened in late April, and the results of the investigation were given to the grand jury.
A grand jury indicted Lance Berkley, 49, on Friday. A Jail supervisor says Berkley was fired from the jail on May following an internal investigation. The trouble started when an inmate told a staff member Berkley had sex with another inmate in a laundry area.
Investigators say the incident happened in late April, and the results of the investigation were given to the grand jury.
Deputy Lance Berkley Charged with Having Sex with Inmate
A Montgomery County sheriff's deputy is charged with having sex with a female inmate at the County Jail.
A grand jury indicted Lance Berkley, 49, on Friday. A Jail supervisor says Berkley was fired from the jail on May following an internal investigation. The trouble started when an inmate told a staff member Berkley had sex with another inmate in a laundry area.
Investigators say the incident happened in late April, and the results of the investigation were given to the grand jury.
A grand jury indicted Lance Berkley, 49, on Friday. A Jail supervisor says Berkley was fired from the jail on May following an internal investigation. The trouble started when an inmate told a staff member Berkley had sex with another inmate in a laundry area.
Investigators say the incident happened in late April, and the results of the investigation were given to the grand jury.
Thursday, May 07, 2009
Corrections Officer Ronald Martin Charged with Sexually Abusing Inmate
A correction officer at Franklin County Jail was charged Thursday with sexually abusing a female inmate.
Ronald S. Martin, 36, of St. Regis Falls was charged with second-degree sexual abuse and official misconduct.
State Police say the abuse occurred on April 10, while he was working as a correction officer at the County Jail and the woman was incarcerated there.
Sheriff Jack Pelkey said he suspended Martin without pay on April 30 and asked the State Police to conduct an investigation, which ended in the arrest Thursday.
The sheriff was careful with his comments so as not to jeopardize the investigation, but said two other women being held at the jail had complained about Martin’s actions toward the 24-year-old female.
“Two female inmates approached a guard and said something’s going on with a guard and another female,” said Pelkey.
“They thought his behavior was inappropriate for a correction officer and didn’t think it was right what he was doing to the other female.”
Pelkey said he could not elaborate on what Martin is accused of doing, saying only that it was alleged “sexual contact” with the woman.
If a woman is in jail, she cannot legally give consent to any sexual act, the sheriff noted.
Martin has been employed by the county since March 31, 2000, first as a per-diem correction officer and then a full-time employee as of Aug. 3, 2001, according to the county Personnel Office.
He was released without bail and is to appear in Town of Malone Court at 9 a.m. next Thursday.
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http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=20294250
Ronald S. Martin, 36, of St. Regis Falls was charged with second-degree sexual abuse and official misconduct.
State Police say the abuse occurred on April 10, while he was working as a correction officer at the County Jail and the woman was incarcerated there.
Sheriff Jack Pelkey said he suspended Martin without pay on April 30 and asked the State Police to conduct an investigation, which ended in the arrest Thursday.
The sheriff was careful with his comments so as not to jeopardize the investigation, but said two other women being held at the jail had complained about Martin’s actions toward the 24-year-old female.
“Two female inmates approached a guard and said something’s going on with a guard and another female,” said Pelkey.
“They thought his behavior was inappropriate for a correction officer and didn’t think it was right what he was doing to the other female.”
Pelkey said he could not elaborate on what Martin is accused of doing, saying only that it was alleged “sexual contact” with the woman.
If a woman is in jail, she cannot legally give consent to any sexual act, the sheriff noted.
Martin has been employed by the county since March 31, 2000, first as a per-diem correction officer and then a full-time employee as of Aug. 3, 2001, according to the county Personnel Office.
He was released without bail and is to appear in Town of Malone Court at 9 a.m. next Thursday.
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http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=20294250
Correction Officer Ronald Martin Charged with Sexually Abusing Inmate
A correction officer at Franklin County Jail was charged Thursday with sexually abusing a female inmate.
Ronald S. Martin, 36, of St. Regis Falls was charged with second-degree sexual abuse and official misconduct.
State Police say the abuse occurred April 10, while Martin was working as a correction officer at the County Jail and the woman was incarcerated there.
Sheriff Jack Pelkey said he suspended Martin without pay April 30 and asked the State Police to conduct an investigation, which ended in the arrest Thursday.
The sheriff was careful with his comments so as not to jeopardize the investigation but said two other women being held at the jail had complained about Martin's actions toward the 24-year-old female.
"Two female inmates approached a guard and said something's going on with a guard and another female," Pelkey said.
"They thought his behavior was inappropriate for a correction officer and didn't think it was right what he was doing to the other female."
Pelkey said he could not elaborate on what Martin is accused of doing, saying only that it was alleged "sexual contact" with the woman.
If a woman is in jail, she cannot legally give consent to any sexual act, the sheriff noted.
Martin has been employed by the county since March 31, 2000, first as a per-diem correction officer and then as full-time employee as of Aug. 3, 2001, according to the Franklin County Personnel Office.
He was released without bail and is to appear in Malone Town Court at 9 a.m. next Thursday.
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http://www.wcax.com/Global/story.asp?S=10324658
Ronald S. Martin, 36, of St. Regis Falls was charged with second-degree sexual abuse and official misconduct.
State Police say the abuse occurred April 10, while Martin was working as a correction officer at the County Jail and the woman was incarcerated there.
Sheriff Jack Pelkey said he suspended Martin without pay April 30 and asked the State Police to conduct an investigation, which ended in the arrest Thursday.
The sheriff was careful with his comments so as not to jeopardize the investigation but said two other women being held at the jail had complained about Martin's actions toward the 24-year-old female.
"Two female inmates approached a guard and said something's going on with a guard and another female," Pelkey said.
"They thought his behavior was inappropriate for a correction officer and didn't think it was right what he was doing to the other female."
Pelkey said he could not elaborate on what Martin is accused of doing, saying only that it was alleged "sexual contact" with the woman.
If a woman is in jail, she cannot legally give consent to any sexual act, the sheriff noted.
Martin has been employed by the county since March 31, 2000, first as a per-diem correction officer and then as full-time employee as of Aug. 3, 2001, according to the Franklin County Personnel Office.
He was released without bail and is to appear in Malone Town Court at 9 a.m. next Thursday.
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http://www.wcax.com/Global/story.asp?S=10324658
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Two More Detention Workers Charged with Having Sex with Teens
Two more Terrebonne Parish Juvenile Detention Center workers are charged with having sex with teenage inmates and more charges were filed against a lieutenant already accused of the crime.
Deputies also charged a corrections officer with threatening an inmate so she would not cooperate with detectives.
The arrests Tuesday come as more former inmates approach deputies with allegations that they had sex with workers at the Ashland detention center in exchange for privileges such as snacks and free phone calls, said Maj. Malcolm Wolfe of the Sheriff’s Office.
All of the sexual encounters allegedly happened over the past year, he said.
“We’re receiving more information from victims and victims’ parents and by word of mouth,” he said. “These girls are not in any shape or form connected, and their statements are consistent about how it took place.”
As more girls come forward, more arrests are likely, Wolfe said.
All of the corrections officers are employees of Terrebonne Parish government, which operates the juvenile detention center.
Deputies charged Angelo Vickers, 47, 390 Monarch Drive, Houma, Tuesday with an additional count of molestation of a juvenile and malfeasance in office.
Vickers was charged Thursday with two counts each of molestation and malfeasance after two former inmates of the detention center, both teen girls, informed deputies of their alleged contact with him.
The additional charge was added Tuesday after a 15-year-old girl who was a former inmate told deputies she had sex with Vickers in exchange for privileges, deputies said.
Vickers is being held at the Terrebonne Parish jail in lieu of a $400,000 bond.
Deputies also arrested Floyd Wesley Howard, 40, 1317 Division Ave., Houma, on charges of carnal knowledge of a juvenile and three counts of indecent behavior with a juvenile. Howard is a sergeant at the center, deputies said.
Darwin Jamal Brown, 23, 159 Elmira Court, Thibodaux, a corrections officer at the center, was charged with malfeasance in office, molestation of a juvenile and three counts of indecent behavior with a juvenile.
Brown and Howard were arrested after deputies interviewed three 16-year-old inmates who said they had sex with them while incarcerated at the center, deputies said. Both workers are being held at the Terrebonne Parish jail in lieu of $200,000 bond.
Deputies also arrested Tiffany Denin Blakemore, 36, 3600 Friendswood Drive, Houma, a corrections officer at the center, for allegedly threatening one of the teenage inmates not to cooperate with detectives in the investigation.
Blakemore was charged with obstruction of justice and remains at the Terrebonne Parish jail on $50,000 bond.
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More Information:
Officer accused of having sex with girls at detention center
Deputies also charged a corrections officer with threatening an inmate so she would not cooperate with detectives.
The arrests Tuesday come as more former inmates approach deputies with allegations that they had sex with workers at the Ashland detention center in exchange for privileges such as snacks and free phone calls, said Maj. Malcolm Wolfe of the Sheriff’s Office.
All of the sexual encounters allegedly happened over the past year, he said.
“We’re receiving more information from victims and victims’ parents and by word of mouth,” he said. “These girls are not in any shape or form connected, and their statements are consistent about how it took place.”
As more girls come forward, more arrests are likely, Wolfe said.
All of the corrections officers are employees of Terrebonne Parish government, which operates the juvenile detention center.
Deputies charged Angelo Vickers, 47, 390 Monarch Drive, Houma, Tuesday with an additional count of molestation of a juvenile and malfeasance in office.
Vickers was charged Thursday with two counts each of molestation and malfeasance after two former inmates of the detention center, both teen girls, informed deputies of their alleged contact with him.
The additional charge was added Tuesday after a 15-year-old girl who was a former inmate told deputies she had sex with Vickers in exchange for privileges, deputies said.
Vickers is being held at the Terrebonne Parish jail in lieu of a $400,000 bond.
Deputies also arrested Floyd Wesley Howard, 40, 1317 Division Ave., Houma, on charges of carnal knowledge of a juvenile and three counts of indecent behavior with a juvenile. Howard is a sergeant at the center, deputies said.
Darwin Jamal Brown, 23, 159 Elmira Court, Thibodaux, a corrections officer at the center, was charged with malfeasance in office, molestation of a juvenile and three counts of indecent behavior with a juvenile.
Brown and Howard were arrested after deputies interviewed three 16-year-old inmates who said they had sex with them while incarcerated at the center, deputies said. Both workers are being held at the Terrebonne Parish jail in lieu of $200,000 bond.
Deputies also arrested Tiffany Denin Blakemore, 36, 3600 Friendswood Drive, Houma, a corrections officer at the center, for allegedly threatening one of the teenage inmates not to cooperate with detectives in the investigation.
Blakemore was charged with obstruction of justice and remains at the Terrebonne Parish jail on $50,000 bond.
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More Information:
Officer accused of having sex with girls at detention center
Friday, April 24, 2009
Correctional Officer Kenon Arnold Charged with Sexual Contact with Inmate
A correctional officer at the Hamilton County Workhouse has been indicted by the Hamilton County Grand Jury for having sex with a female prisoner.
Kenon Dontae Arnold, an employee of the Corrections Corporation of America, is charged with having sexual contact with an inmate.
The indictment says on Dec. 9 he "did unlawfully engage in sexual contact or sexual penetration" with the female prisoner.
Arnold, 28, of 5220 Hickory Woods Lane in Hixson, had no prior record except for a seat belt case and for having a loud muffler.
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Kenon Dontae Arnold, an employee of the Corrections Corporation of America, is charged with having sexual contact with an inmate.
The indictment says on Dec. 9 he "did unlawfully engage in sexual contact or sexual penetration" with the female prisoner.
Arnold, 28, of 5220 Hickory Woods Lane in Hixson, had no prior record except for a seat belt case and for having a loud muffler.
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Friday, March 27, 2009
Judge Herman Thomas Faces Several Charges Including Kidnapping
MOBILE, Ala.
Herman Thomas, while a Mobile County circuit judge, checked male inmates out of Metro Jail to exert control over them and force them into sexual activity, according to indictments released today.
About 1½ years after stepping down from the bench, Thomas was arrested today outside the same jail on charges of kidnapping, sodomy, extortion, sex abuse and ethics violations.
A special grand jury met for three weeks this month and returned 57 felony charges against Thomas. The indictment lists nine alleged victims, each of them current or former inmates.
"These are very serious charges," some carrying up to life in prison, said District Attorney John Tyson Jr. Thomas was taken into custody outside the jail as his attorney, Robert "Cowboy Bob" Clark, held an afternoon news conference amid reports of an impending arrest.
Clark suggested his client's indictment was motivated by racism.
"This is racism at its very finest. We ought to be proud we elected those bastards," said Clark in an apparent reference to Tyson and former Thomas colleagues on the bench.
As Clark was speaking, an investigator with the District Attorney's Office quietly walked up to Thomas, tapped him on the shoulder, whispered something to him and then accompanied Thomas -- without placing him in handcuffs -- to the jail 10 feet away.
There, Thomas was photographed and booked, with bail set at $287,500, according to the jail log. He was later released.
Each of Thomas' alleged victims at one time faced charges in Mobile County Circuit Court, according to online court records. The allegations against them ranged from criminal mischief to murder.
One of the inmates went before Thomas on multiple occasions over the years for several felony charges. He was eventually sent to prison for a short time, but Thomas ordered him released early.
Finally, he ended up sentenced in federal court and later released. He has since been accused of murder and attempted murder.
According to Friday's grand jury allegations, Thomas "knowingly" subjected the young men "to sexual contact, by forcible compulsion."
Thomas' resignation came in the face of a pending trial before Alabama's Court of the Judiciary, where he was charged with dozens of ethical violations.
Tyson said Clark's accusations that Thomas' troubles stem from racism at Government Plaza are "absolute nonsense."
Nicki Patterson, the chief assistant district attorney, later pointed out that all the alleged victims are black. Thomas is black.
Tyson said his investigation is not over and that the special grand jury could be called back into session at any time.
Herman Thomas, while a Mobile County circuit judge, checked male inmates out of Metro Jail to exert control over them and force them into sexual activity, according to indictments released today.
About 1½ years after stepping down from the bench, Thomas was arrested today outside the same jail on charges of kidnapping, sodomy, extortion, sex abuse and ethics violations.
A special grand jury met for three weeks this month and returned 57 felony charges against Thomas. The indictment lists nine alleged victims, each of them current or former inmates.
"These are very serious charges," some carrying up to life in prison, said District Attorney John Tyson Jr. Thomas was taken into custody outside the jail as his attorney, Robert "Cowboy Bob" Clark, held an afternoon news conference amid reports of an impending arrest.
Clark suggested his client's indictment was motivated by racism.
"This is racism at its very finest. We ought to be proud we elected those bastards," said Clark in an apparent reference to Tyson and former Thomas colleagues on the bench.
As Clark was speaking, an investigator with the District Attorney's Office quietly walked up to Thomas, tapped him on the shoulder, whispered something to him and then accompanied Thomas -- without placing him in handcuffs -- to the jail 10 feet away.
There, Thomas was photographed and booked, with bail set at $287,500, according to the jail log. He was later released.
Each of Thomas' alleged victims at one time faced charges in Mobile County Circuit Court, according to online court records. The allegations against them ranged from criminal mischief to murder.
One of the inmates went before Thomas on multiple occasions over the years for several felony charges. He was eventually sent to prison for a short time, but Thomas ordered him released early.
Finally, he ended up sentenced in federal court and later released. He has since been accused of murder and attempted murder.
According to Friday's grand jury allegations, Thomas "knowingly" subjected the young men "to sexual contact, by forcible compulsion."
Thomas' resignation came in the face of a pending trial before Alabama's Court of the Judiciary, where he was charged with dozens of ethical violations.
Tyson said Clark's accusations that Thomas' troubles stem from racism at Government Plaza are "absolute nonsense."
Nicki Patterson, the chief assistant district attorney, later pointed out that all the alleged victims are black. Thomas is black.
Tyson said his investigation is not over and that the special grand jury could be called back into session at any time.
_____________
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Former Sheriff Bill Keating & 16 others Indicted
MONTAGUE, Texas
For months, perhaps longer, the Montague County Jail was "Animal House" meets Mayberry.
Inside the small brick building across from the courthouse, inmates had the run of the place, having sex with their jailer girlfriends, bringing in recliners, taking drugs and chatting on cell phones supplied by friends or guards, according to authorities. They also disabled some of the surveillance cameras and made weapons out of nails.
The doors to two groups of cells didn't lock, but apparently no one tried to escape — perhaps because they had everything they needed inside.
The jailhouse escapades — some of which date to 2006, according to authorities — have rocked Montague (pronounced mahn-TAYG), a farming and ranching town of several hundred people near the Oklahoma line, about 65 miles northwest of Fort Worth.
There were whispers in the past year about an affair between a female jailer and male inmate, but folks dismissed the rumors as small-town gossip. It was not until late last month, when a Texas grand jury returned a 106-count indictment against the former sheriff and 16 others, that the inmates-gone-wild scandal broke wide open.
The indictment charged Bill Keating, sheriff from 2004 until December, with official oppression and having sex with female inmates. The others indicted include nine guards — seven women and two men — who were charged with various offenses involving sex or drugs and other contraband. Four inmates also were charged.
Local, state and federal authorities are still trying to figure out how this small-town Texas jail was turned into something resembling a frat house.
The new sheriff, Paul Cunningham, said he was stunned while touring the jail for the first time just hours after being sworn into office Jan. 1. He saw partitions made of paper towels that blocked jailers' view into cells, and pills scattered about.
Cunningham, who had not worked for the county before his election in November, immediately ordered the jail closed and moved the nearly 60 inmates to another institution.
"It literally scared me — not for myself but for the employees," Cunningham said. "How somebody kept from being killed was beyond me."
Cunningham, who defeated Keating in the Republican primary last spring, suggested that Keating lost interest in the jail after that and turned his back on the place.
Separately from the indictment, Keating, 62, faces up to 10 years in federal prison after pleading guilty in January to charges he coerced a woman into having sex with him by threatening to jail her on drug charges.
Keating's attorney, Mark Daniel, called the latest charges against the former sheriff "kind of silly in the face of the federal investigation, like piling on." He declined further comment.
The investigation began with a tip last fall from inside the jail.
An official received a handwritten letter on notebook paper from an inmate arrested on charges of kidnapping his girlfriend. The inmate, Luke C. Bolton, said they met in 2007 when she was a jail guard and he was behind bars on another charge. He said their sexual relationship started in a jail shower and continued during her late-night visits to his cell.
"I'm just reaching out for help to show (the jailer) is a person who abused her power. She broke the law by having sex with me in cell #16 while I was an inmate. ... Please help me. I am telling the truth. Everybody knows I am," Bolton wrote, offering to take a polygraph.
The former jailer is among those indicted. Bolton remains in jail.
Current employees said they were shocked by the scandal.
"People say, `How could you not know?' Well, it didn't go on during our shift," said Jerrie Reed, who works the day shift. Reed said the then-sheriff sometimes asked to see female inmates privately in his office, but she assumed they were informants. She said none ever seemed upset as she led them shackled to and from Keating's office.
Cunningham said it appears that most of the illegal activities occurred in a certain section of the 100-bed, one-story jail, which has several long corridors that make it difficult for anyone to hear what is going on beyond their immediate areas.
The jail will reopen this week following about $1 million in repairs, needed after years of damage by inmates, Cunningham said. Also, the entire department is getting new uniforms, badges and vehicles.
"I just think this office needs to change the image completely," the new sheriff said. "I think we're well on our way to getting the public's confidence back."
For months, perhaps longer, the Montague County Jail was "Animal House" meets Mayberry.
Inside the small brick building across from the courthouse, inmates had the run of the place, having sex with their jailer girlfriends, bringing in recliners, taking drugs and chatting on cell phones supplied by friends or guards, according to authorities. They also disabled some of the surveillance cameras and made weapons out of nails.
The doors to two groups of cells didn't lock, but apparently no one tried to escape — perhaps because they had everything they needed inside.
The jailhouse escapades — some of which date to 2006, according to authorities — have rocked Montague (pronounced mahn-TAYG), a farming and ranching town of several hundred people near the Oklahoma line, about 65 miles northwest of Fort Worth.
There were whispers in the past year about an affair between a female jailer and male inmate, but folks dismissed the rumors as small-town gossip. It was not until late last month, when a Texas grand jury returned a 106-count indictment against the former sheriff and 16 others, that the inmates-gone-wild scandal broke wide open.
The indictment charged Bill Keating, sheriff from 2004 until December, with official oppression and having sex with female inmates. The others indicted include nine guards — seven women and two men — who were charged with various offenses involving sex or drugs and other contraband. Four inmates also were charged.
Local, state and federal authorities are still trying to figure out how this small-town Texas jail was turned into something resembling a frat house.
The new sheriff, Paul Cunningham, said he was stunned while touring the jail for the first time just hours after being sworn into office Jan. 1. He saw partitions made of paper towels that blocked jailers' view into cells, and pills scattered about.
Cunningham, who had not worked for the county before his election in November, immediately ordered the jail closed and moved the nearly 60 inmates to another institution.
"It literally scared me — not for myself but for the employees," Cunningham said. "How somebody kept from being killed was beyond me."
Cunningham, who defeated Keating in the Republican primary last spring, suggested that Keating lost interest in the jail after that and turned his back on the place.
Separately from the indictment, Keating, 62, faces up to 10 years in federal prison after pleading guilty in January to charges he coerced a woman into having sex with him by threatening to jail her on drug charges.
Keating's attorney, Mark Daniel, called the latest charges against the former sheriff "kind of silly in the face of the federal investigation, like piling on." He declined further comment.
The investigation began with a tip last fall from inside the jail.
An official received a handwritten letter on notebook paper from an inmate arrested on charges of kidnapping his girlfriend. The inmate, Luke C. Bolton, said they met in 2007 when she was a jail guard and he was behind bars on another charge. He said their sexual relationship started in a jail shower and continued during her late-night visits to his cell.
"I'm just reaching out for help to show (the jailer) is a person who abused her power. She broke the law by having sex with me in cell #16 while I was an inmate. ... Please help me. I am telling the truth. Everybody knows I am," Bolton wrote, offering to take a polygraph.
The former jailer is among those indicted. Bolton remains in jail.
Current employees said they were shocked by the scandal.
"People say, `How could you not know?' Well, it didn't go on during our shift," said Jerrie Reed, who works the day shift. Reed said the then-sheriff sometimes asked to see female inmates privately in his office, but she assumed they were informants. She said none ever seemed upset as she led them shackled to and from Keating's office.
Cunningham said it appears that most of the illegal activities occurred in a certain section of the 100-bed, one-story jail, which has several long corridors that make it difficult for anyone to hear what is going on beyond their immediate areas.
The jail will reopen this week following about $1 million in repairs, needed after years of damage by inmates, Cunningham said. Also, the entire department is getting new uniforms, badges and vehicles.
"I just think this office needs to change the image completely," the new sheriff said. "I think we're well on our way to getting the public's confidence back."
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Corrections Officer Deandra McNeill Accused of having Sex with Inmate
GRANTS, N.M.
A Cibola County Detention Center corrections officer is accused of having sex with an inmate.
Deandra McNeill, 20, was arrested and charged with one count of criminal sexual penetration, according to a New Mexico State Police news release.
According to the release, McNeill and the inmate had an ongoing sexual relationship since early last month. She was fired on March 4.
McNeill is being held on a no-bond warrant at the McKinley County jail.
Deandra McNeill, 20, was arrested and charged with one count of criminal sexual penetration, according to a New Mexico State Police news release.
According to the release, McNeill and the inmate had an ongoing sexual relationship since early last month. She was fired on March 4.
McNeill is being held on a no-bond warrant at the McKinley County jail.
_____________________
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Former Sheriff Bill Keating Charged with Having Sex with Inmates
FORT WORTH, Texas
A former sheriff and several ex-jailers were among 17 people named Friday in a 106-count indictment on charges ranging from having sex with inmates to bringing them drugs at a now-closed county jail.
Former Montague County Sheriff Bill Keating was charged with official oppression and having sex with inmates, according to the indictment. Keating was defeated in a primary election last spring.
Several female jailers were charged with having sex with inmates and bringing them drugs, cell phones and cigarettes, while several male jailers were charged with drug possession and with bringing inmates banned items, according to the indictment.
Several inmates also were charged with drug possession, according to the indictment.
State District Judge Roger Towery has sealed the names in the indictments until the suspects are arrested, but their jobs and charges were made public....
A former sheriff and several ex-jailers were among 17 people named Friday in a 106-count indictment on charges ranging from having sex with inmates to bringing them drugs at a now-closed county jail.
Former Montague County Sheriff Bill Keating was charged with official oppression and having sex with inmates, according to the indictment. Keating was defeated in a primary election last spring.
Several female jailers were charged with having sex with inmates and bringing them drugs, cell phones and cigarettes, while several male jailers were charged with drug possession and with bringing inmates banned items, according to the indictment.
Several inmates also were charged with drug possession, according to the indictment.
State District Judge Roger Towery has sealed the names in the indictments until the suspects are arrested, but their jobs and charges were made public....
Friday, February 06, 2009
Corrections Officer Melanie Madill Accused of Having Sex with Inmate
A Carbon County drug court supervisor is accused of having sex with an offender and tampering with drug tests. Melanie Madill is charged in state court with custodial sexual relations and five counts of evidence tampering. All the counts are felonies punishable by up to five years in prison.
Madill was a jail corrections officer supervising offenders participating in the county's drug court. Carbon County Attorney Gene Strate said Madill developed a romantic relationship with one offender, then began helping him pass drug tests.
"She was tampering with the test to make the test come out favorable to the subjects," Strate said. "It appears on some tests she was substituting clean urine for urine from the subject." Madill then began helping a friend of that offender pass his drug tests, Strate said. In all, Madill may have helped four offenders pass drug screenings, he said.
Utah law forbids sex between law enforcement officers and inmates or people under state supervision. Madill is free on $15,000 bail. Carbon County Sheriff James Cordova on Friday said there also is an administrative investigation into Madill.
Madill was a jail corrections officer supervising offenders participating in the county's drug court. Carbon County Attorney Gene Strate said Madill developed a romantic relationship with one offender, then began helping him pass drug tests.
"She was tampering with the test to make the test come out favorable to the subjects," Strate said. "It appears on some tests she was substituting clean urine for urine from the subject." Madill then began helping a friend of that offender pass his drug tests, Strate said. In all, Madill may have helped four offenders pass drug screenings, he said.
Utah law forbids sex between law enforcement officers and inmates or people under state supervision. Madill is free on $15,000 bail. Carbon County Sheriff James Cordova on Friday said there also is an administrative investigation into Madill.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Former Sheriff Mike Burgess Found Guilty of Sexually Abusing Inmates
FAIRVIEW
A Major County jury on Saturday convicted former Custer County Sheriff Mike Burgess on multiple counts of sexually abusing inmates and defendants in a county drug court program.
The jury convicted Burgess on 13 felony counts, including five counts of second-degree rape, and recommended he serve 94 years in prison.
The 56-year-old former lawman initially was charged with 36 felony counts, but the jury acquitted him on 23.
"I didn't think he was guilty of anything," said Burgess' attorney, Steve Huddleston. He said he expects Burgess will appeal the convictions.
Huddleston maintained the accusers were either lying or that the sex between Burgess and the women was consensual. Under state law, an inmate cannot legally consent to sexual relations with a jailer or anyone else who controls the conditions of the prisoner's confinement.
A Major County jury on Saturday convicted former Custer County Sheriff Mike Burgess on multiple counts of sexually abusing inmates and defendants in a county drug court program.
The jury convicted Burgess on 13 felony counts, including five counts of second-degree rape, and recommended he serve 94 years in prison.
The 56-year-old former lawman initially was charged with 36 felony counts, but the jury acquitted him on 23.
"I didn't think he was guilty of anything," said Burgess' attorney, Steve Huddleston. He said he expects Burgess will appeal the convictions.
Huddleston maintained the accusers were either lying or that the sex between Burgess and the women was consensual. Under state law, an inmate cannot legally consent to sexual relations with a jailer or anyone else who controls the conditions of the prisoner's confinement.
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