Corrections officer terminated for having sex with inmates

A Neshoba County corrections officer was terminated and arrested Friday for having sexual contact with inmates, the authorities said.

The man, Randal Bernard Prince, 47, 520 Jack Pearson Road, Louisville, is accused of having inappropriate sexual contact with inmates at the Neshoba County Detention Facility, Neshoba County Sheriff Eric Clark said.

Jail Administrator Brad Stuart opened an investigation based on a tip he received from an inmate. He incorporated Neshoba County Sheriff’s Investigators who collectively gathered video recordings, statements from inmates, and phone conversations that corroborate the allegations.

The incidents happened on May 2, May 19 and June 8 while Prince was on watch in the control tower.

Prince was able to deceive detention staff for a short period of time, unlock inmates, and lure them to the staff restroom, Clark said.

Mississippi law prohibits correctional officers from engaging in sexual contact with inmates, he said.

If convicted, Prince faces a $5,000 fine and five years per charge.

Prince has been charged with three counts of sexual activity between correctional personnel and prisoners.

Prince had his initial court appearance before Justice Court Judge Paul Payne where his bond was set at $50,000 per charge, Clark said.