DeKalb jailer fired, arrested on sexual assault charges

A DeKalb County detention officer was arrested Thursday on accusations that he sexually assaulted an inmate, authorities said.

Zel Mitchell, 42, was charged with sexual assault against a person in custody, violation of oath and public indecency.

According to DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Sgt. Adrion Bell, Mitchell allegedly performed sexual acts – consensually – with another male inmate in exchange for food and other contraband.

Another inmate discovered the incident, Bell said.

Mitchell had worked at the jail for nearly two years, according to state records.

He was fired and is being held at the DeKalb County Jail on $1,000 bond.

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