Update As Of September 9, 2011 – Jailer Takes Plea Deal (Unconfirmed)

UPDATE AS OF JUNE 30, 2011

Quoted from El Dorado News Times:

Sex for smokes?

Former jailer charged with exchanging sex for smuggling cigarettes, other contraband into jail for female prisoners

By: Sara Mitchell – -

Published: 06/30/2011

 

By Sara Mitchell

smitchell@eldoradonews.com

Billy Joe Smith, 48, former jailer for the Union County Justice Facility, has been charged with multiple counts involving exchanging sex for smuggling cigarettes and other contraband into the jail for female prisoners, according to a probable cause affidavit obtained from the Union County Circuit Clerk’s Office.

Smith, who resides at 1216 Patterson Loop Road in El Dorado, was investigated after Union County Sheriff Mike McGough ordered an internal investigation stemming from numerous complaints of misconduct involving Sgt. Billy Joe Smith engaging in sex acts with female inmates.

Several female inmates were questioned by investigators. One of the first questioned said she had a three-month relationship with Smith while housed in the jail, and performed oral sex on him numerous times. She told Capt. Clark Burton that the sexual activity always occurred “downstairs, under the radio room.”

The inmate told Burton that the relationship began with a kiss, and then Smith requested oral sex. She said she was given cigarettes in return. This exchange continued, the inmate said, until she was transferred to the Arkansas Department of Corrections.

She told Burton that while at the ADC, she received letters from Smith. After her release, she reportedly told Smith she no longer wanted anything to do with him because he was married.

Investigator Randall Gilbert was told by one prisoner that Smith had the nickname “Billy Hoe” among the female inmates. The inmate, who eventually became a trustee, told Gilbert that after several days without cigarettes, she approached Smith and told him, “I am ready to play your little game.” Other female inmates were also urging her to “take one for the team,” she said.

She told Gilbert that it was well-known among the female inmates that if they wanted anything, all they had to do was ask Smith, but they also knew it would “cost them” for the favors.

According to the probable cause affidavit, investigator Jim Sanders conducted interviews with several female inmates and one inmate told him she overheard another inmate tell Smith, “I want to ride you.” Later that night, Smith allegedly came and got the inmate out of her pod.

Another inmate told Sanders she performed oral sex on Smith with him standing halfway up the stairs going to the radio room. A dispatcher was on the radio during that time, she said.

Another exchange for oral sex with Smith involved giving the inmate pictures of her children, according to the affidavit.

Investigator Stephen Vestal interviewed an inmate with her lawyer present. Vestal was told by the inmate that Smith requested she give him a “bl**job” and also to see her breasts for cigarettes, but that she never complied.

Smith was referred to as a “titty man” by one of the inmates and would give inmates what they wanted in exchange for feeling their breasts.

Cell phones were also reportedly given to inmates and one stated that it was “like being at home. It was great because we had everything we wanted. The same inmate said that when Smith was not employed it was “a lot different and harder.”

Smith has been charged with two counts of sexual assault in the third degree, one count of sexual assault in the fourth degree and three counts of furnishing prohibited articles.

Smith was initially employed at the Union County Jail on Nov. 7, 2009, as a jailer. He worked in that capacity until late October or early November 2009, when he left for other employment. He returned in mid 2010 as a jailer and was promoted to shift sergeant in late 2010. Before being promoted, Smith worked at the jail on the day shift, and after the promotion, he was moved to the night shift.

 

Courtesy of ElDorado News Times

http://www.eldoradonews.com/news/localnews/2011/06/30/sex-for-smokes-41.php

 

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UPDATE AS OF 4/22/2011: VINELink isn’t showing this case at the moment. Will update as soon as any progress develops.

UPDATE: The next best thing to filming the perp walk… is capturing the mugshot. Click on the VINELink pic for details.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

48 year old Billy Joe Smith of El Dorado, Arkansas has been under investigation by his own coworkers where he was employed at the Union County Sheriffs Office as a jailer, concerning incidents starting back from 2009. He was placed on administrative leave with pay on Feb. 28 until he was later terminated from his job.

Billy Joe Smith was placed under arrest Friday, March 25, 2011 on charges of SEXUAL ASSAULT IN THE 3RD DEGREE, SEXUAL ASSAULT IN THE 4TH DEGREE AND FURNISHING PROHIBITED ARTICLES IN THE JAIL.

He is accused of using his job authority as a jailer to receive sexual favors from inmates.  Will he have to register as a sex offender if convicted? Stay with us as we continue to cover this case.

Chief Deputy W.M. Hickman had this to say:

“The investigation covers a time period from 2009 until February of this year. The mere suggestion of the above activity casts a shadow over law enforcement and impacts the confidence and trust citizens have for the law enforcement community.

The investigation is ongoing, but the investigating officers have done a good job, and have handled matters professionally.

I am proud of the officers who worked this case. It was a difficult task for them to investigate a fellow employee. They rose above this situation.”

Courtesy of El Dorado News Times