Oglethorpe County sheriff’s jailer accused of ‘inappropriate conduct’ toward a female inmate

An Oglethorpe County sheriff’s deputy was arrested last week after an investigation revealed he engaged in “inappropriate conduct” with a female inmate, according to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.

Former jailer Zachariah Smith, 33, of Elberton was charged with violating his oath of office and providing contraband to the inmate. The nature of the relationship and the type of contraband were not disclosed by the GBI.

The incidents occurred earlier this month, the GBI reported.

The investigation began on Oct. 8 after the sheriff’s office requested the GBI to investigate reports from other jailers about Smith’s alleged behavior with the female inmate.

Smith was later arrested on the charges.

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This article originally appeared on Athens Banner-Herald: GBI charges Oglethorpe County jailer after complaints