Nation & World News
Nation & World News

Georgia correctional officer charged with sexually assaulting inmate

ajc.com

Credit: CCSO

Credit: CCSO

By Stephanie Toone
Feb 18, 2020

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

Stephanie has been telling stories her whole life. Her interest in the written word started with short stories and journal entries about run-ins with classroom bullies as a child and matured to writing for her high school newspaper over the years. She has written and edited for The Tennessean, Augusta Chronicle and American City & County.

Follow Stephanie Toone on twitter
More Stories

The Latest

Gregory Bovino, chief patrol agent of the U.S. Border Patrol's El Centro Sector, speaks during an interview with The Associated Press in Los Angeles, Monday, Aug. 25, 2025. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

Credit: AP

Border Patrol agent who led immigration crackdown in Los Angeles arrives in Chicago

8m ago

Liberty's Breanna Stewart questionable for Game 2 after injuring left knee in playoff opener

8m ago

11 of Robert Redford’s most memorable performances and where to watch them

16m ago

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

A Braves fan took a ball to the face. The team may be liable, judges say.

The Atlanta Braves and former right fielder Jorge Soler face a lawsuit by a fan hit in the eye with a ball during a World Series game at Truist Park in 2021.

Joro spiders multiply across Georgia, spinning their pesky webs

The invasive species has multiplied rapidly in Atlanta in the last three years, research shows.

Ford settles billion-dollar Georgia lawsuits over fatal wrecks

Ford Motor Co. has settled two Georgia lawsuits that elicited record-setting jury verdicts of $1.7 billion and $2.5 billion, ending more than a decade of litigation.