Earlier this month, Garry Donnell Jackson, a 52-year-old corrections officer who was employed at the Oakland County Jail, was suspended after an investigation revealed that the deputy allegedly engaged in sexual activity with a female inmate. Jackson, who lives in Rochester Hills, has been employed by the Sheriff’s office since 1997 and is now facing three felony charges of second-degree criminal sexual conduct.
According to a news article at CBS Detroit, Jackson and the female inmate engaged in sexual conduct on several occasions in a broom closet. The female inmate allegedly involved in the rendezvous is 24 years old. Authorities learned of the activity when another inmate at the jail told a guard that she had heard rumors about the two engaging in an intimate relationship.
The sexual conduct was consensual according to the woman and other inmates who were interviewed according to Undersheriff Michael McCabe. Even though the female inmate consented to the sex acts, Michigan state law and department regulations make it illegal for an inmate and guard to engage in sexual relations.
McCabe said in the news report that, “The Sheriff’s Office abhors this conduct and has started the process to terminate Jackson.” He went on to say that Jackson’s conduct violates public trust, and dishonors the badge.
At his arraignment hearing on Monday, Jackson’s bond was set at $5,000. He was ordered to have no contact with the female inmate, who was incarcerated for probation violation and is due to be released from jail November 5. if convicted of the criminal sexual conduct charges, Jackson faces up to 15 years in prison.
As is evident in this case, accusations of inappropriate sexual conduct can result in not only criminal penalties, but ruin of an individual’s career and reputation. Even though the alleged victim consented to the relationship with the deputy, he may now spend 15 years of his life behind bars.
If you or someone you know has been arrested or charged with a sex-related offense including rape, sexual assault, child molestation or other offense, consult with an aggressive and capable Michigan sex crimes defense attorney immediately.