A Clarke County jailer was arrested after investigators say she engaged in an inappropriate relationship with a male inmate.
Karen Amaya was charged with violating her oath of office. She surrendered herself to the Clarke County Jail on Wednesday.
The sheriff’s office placed Amaya on administrative on October 12 pending the outcome of the investigation. Her employment was terminated on November 7.
Officials have not detailed the nature of the relationship between the two, but sheriff’s office spokesperson Keith Sims says policy and “best practices” prohibit officers from “having any relationship with jail residents beyond maintaining their safety and security while in our facility.”
“The Sheriff’s Office has a sworn duty to uphold the law. The trust of the public we serve is critical to that mission. I will not tolerate conduct that damages that trust,” says Clarke County Sheriff John Q. Williams.
Amaya was hired as a detention officer on March 9, 2021. She obtained her state certification as a jailer in April of this year.
