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Sheriff's Deputy Charged After Alleged Sex With Inmate

PONTIAC (WWJ) - An Oakland County Sheriff's deputy is facing felony charges after he allegedly had sexual contact with a female prisoner.

Garry Donnell Jackson, who worked as a corrections officer at the Oakland County Jail, is facing three counts of second-degree criminal sexual conduct after reports he rendezvoused with a female inmate several times in a broom closet.

An investigation began after, earlier this month, another inmate told a guard she'd heard rumors that Jackson, 52, and a 24-year-old inmate were carrying on an intimate relationship.

That's when Jackson, a Rochester Hills resident who's been employed by the Sheriff's Office since 1997, was suspended and an investigation began.

According to Undersheriff Michael McCabe, interviews with the victim and other inmates revealed the sex acts were consensual. However, under state law and department regulations, an inmate cannot give consent.

"The Sheriff's Office abhors this conduct and has started the process to terminate Jackson," said McCabe in a statement. "Jackson has brought dishonor to the badge and violated public trust."

Bond was set at $5,000 at an arraignment Monday for Jackson, who has been ordered to have no contact with the victim.

Jackson faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted.  He will be back in court Thursday for a preliminary exam.

Speaking through an attorney, Jackson has adamantly denied the charges.

The victim, who has not been named by authorities, was jailed in May as a result of a probation violation on a retail fraud charge.  She's set to be released on Nov. 5.

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