The Alabama Department of Corrections is aware of the child abuse charges facing one employee and have placed her on mandatory leave while they are investigating the issue, according to a source.
Last Wednesday, the correctional officer, Lateshia Jackson, was arrested and charged with torture/willful abuse of a child-family by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
The alleged abuse is documented in a complaint filed with the District Court of Escambia County. Jackson allegedly struck the 8-year-old child with a belt several times causing extensive bruising and breaking to the front and back of the child’s thighs. The incident occurred at least 10 days prior to Jackson’s arrest and charging the complaint states.
APR previously reached out to ADOC for a statement following Jackson’s arrest and charging but was denied the request for comment.
Jackson was released on bond the same day she was arrested.
While Jackson did not harm an inmate the incident still raises concerns about ADOC, the hiring process, and the potential mistreatment of inmates by officers.
