Former Taylor County jail employee arrested following sexual misconduct investigation

A former Taylor County Jail employee has been arrested following a criminal investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct involving an inmate.

BUTLER, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — A former Taylor County Jail employee has been arrested following a criminal investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct involving an inmate, according to the Taylor County Sheriff’s Office.

Sheriff’s officials say the investigation began after the department received a tip alleging that a jail employee engaged in sexual activity with a female inmate on three separate occasions while she was in custody at the Taylor County Jail. An internal investigation was launched, during which investigators gathered evidence leading to an arrest.

Authorities identified the suspect as 36-year-old Justin Donnell Clark of Americus, who was taken into custody in connection with the investigation. Officials say Clark faces pending charges related to the allegations.

Taylor County Sheriff John Sawyer released a statement emphasizing accountability within the department.

“I will police my own just like I would anyone else,” Sawyer said. “If you break the law, abuse your authority, or betray the public trust, you will be arrested and held accountable. A badge does not put anyone above the law in Taylor County.”

The investigation remains ongoing,