Sheriff Johnny Philpot said an inmate at the Sequoyah County Jail in Sallisaw, who was at one time housed at the Roland jail, claimed that Roland employees and another female inmate had inappropriate sexual contact.
"All we have at this time are allegations," Philpot emphasized. "Nothing has been substantiated."
Philpot said that he first contacted tRoland Police Chief Tommy Sessums about the allegations, and Sessums' office conducted a preliminary investigation before requesting Philpot's office to investigate.
Philpot said those accused are city employees, and he declined to name them.
He noted that the person who lodged the complaint allegedly heard comments made by city employees, as well as witnessed alleged contact, while in the Roland town complex.
"She hasn't made any complaints or allegations," Philpot said of the prisoner who is alleged to have received the inappropriate contact.
Philpot said the prisoner was allegedly working as a trustee during the incident, and the prisoner who lodged the complaint alleged the trustee received special treatment.
"We'll check it out the best we can," Philpot said. "There may be something to it. There may not."
Philpot said Investigator Roger Fuller is conducting the investigation and will be interviewing those who were in jail at the time of the alleged incidents.
Sessums confirmed that he was contacted about the allegations and requested the sheriff's department to investigate.
In a prepared statement, Roland Mayor Monty Lenington Jr. said he had not been officially notified by the sheriff's office of any ongoing investigation. However, Lenington said he was notified Monday by town officials that the sheriff's office had contacted Sessums concerning allegations made and reported to their office by a former prisoner.
"At this time the allegations are merely that, and I hesitate to comment at this time," Lenington wrote. "I will say that the town is fully cooperating with the sheriff's office in this matter, and if these allegations prove to be true, appropriate disciplinary action will be taken."
