Two area jailers were fired Friday for two alleged and unrelated incidents.
Hempstead County, Ark., Sheriff James Singleton said one jailer, Gary Middleton, is accused of using an unauthorized personal Taser on a handcuffed and shackled inmate. Middleton, 63 of Hope, Ark., was arrested on charges of furnishing prohibited articles, a class C felony, and battery third degree, a misdemeanor. Middleton had been employed at the Detention Center in Hope as a detention-transport officer since Dec. 15, 2014, Singleton said. Middleton was taken to Howard County Jail where he will await a first appearance.
The second jailer, Joshua Huffman, 25, of Delight, Ark., is accused of allowing inmates to use a cellphone, Singleston said.
Investigators discovered inmates contacted witnesses and at least one victim with the cell phone. Huffman was arrested Thursday for allegedly furnishing prohibited articles, a Class C felony.
Huffman had been employed since July 24. He was taken to Nevada County jail and is awaiting a first court appearance.
Both incidents are still under investigation, Singleton said.