A Savannah correctional officer has been arrested after accusations that she sexually assaulted an inmate.

Mareka Austin, a Chatham County Sheriff's Office correctional officer, was arrested by the Internal Affairs and Criminal Investigation unit Tuesday morning and charged with sexual assault by persons with supervisory or disciplinary authority over an inmate, according to the Savannah ABC news station WJCL.

In a statement, CCSO said the investigation began about one week ago and that Austin admitted to having an unprofessional and personal relationship with an inmate. The correctional officer also admitted to placing money into the inmate’s phone account.

Austin joined the department Nov. 18, 2019.

About the Author

Featured

In this file photo from October 2024, Atlanta Braves outfielder Jorge Soler and teammates react after losing to the San Diego Padres 5-4 in San Diego. The Braves and Soler, who now plays for the Los Angeles Angels, face a lawsuit by a fan injured at a 2021 World Series game at Truist Park in Atlanta. (Jason Getz/AJC)

Credit: Jason.Getz@ajc.com