Gene Lehmann Managing Editor
The Ada News
Ada —
A Pontotoc County jailer has resigned over an “inappropriate” text message sent to a former female inmate, sheriff John Christian confirmed Monday.
The jailer, who had worked at the jail approximately 1.5 years, texted he had witnessed her showering.
Christian said the former inmate complained to his office about the text and the jailer was brought in to see Christian.
“I told him his conduct and the text message were inappropriate and would not be tolerated,” Christian said. During the course of the dress down from Christian the jailer offered to tender his resignation. Christian accepted it.
At issue is the boarder question: Do jailers have the ability to watch inmates shower?
Christian said while it is possible — since jailers are monitoring all activity in jail cells via a central control area with closed circuit television — if the inmates exercise discretion, keep shower curtains closed and dress in the appropriate areas — privacy is maintained.
“He (the jailer) was being stupid,” Christian said.
The text mentioned the jailer witnessed her showering and suggested they “see” each other sometime, Christian reported. “Had the incident happened while she was an inmate, I would have arrested him and charged him with a felony,” Christian stated.
The incident happened approximately two months ago, the sheriff said.
“It’s an election year and all kinds of rumors will be starting up,” Christian said. “This was handled professionally and promptly,”
