CHARLOTTE — A former detention officer with the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office was criminally charged and accused of “engaging in a sexual act with a male resident and providing a tobacco product to a resident” at the County Detention Center-Central, according to the sheriff’s office.
Karen Payton started working with the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office on Aug. 14, 2019. She was fired Tuesday after warrants were issued for her arrest.
[ALSO READ: Detention officer fired, accused of sexually assaulting transgender inmate]
“There is no place for this type of conduct or behavior in our detention facilities or agency,” said Sheriff Garry McFadden. “We face too many daily challenges here at MCSO to allow such behavior and activity to continue that could compromise the safety and security of our staff and our residents. Officer Payton’s actions are not a reflection of the professionalism and high standards required by all staff at MCSO.”
Another Mecklenburg County detention officer has been terminated. This one after criminal charges were filed against the officer for engaging in a sexual act with an inmate and providing a tobacco product to an inmate. @wsoctv pic.twitter.com/UidreBm0QM
— Michael Stolp (@StolpWSOC9) October 5, 2021
On Sept. 28, another detention officer was fired after being accused of an assault. Former Detention Officer Branden Williamson was charged with felony assault after an incident on Sept. 27 in Richland County, South Carolina.
No further information was provided.
(Watch the video below: ‘Armed and dangerous’ inmate mistakenly released from Burke County Jail)
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