Yazoo County sheriff investigates alleged sexual assault of 2 female inmates at jail

Three male guards at the Yazoo County Regional Correctional Facility remain on administrative leave as the sheriff's department investigates allegations of rape by two female inmates at the jail.

A mother has reported her daughter was raped three times inside the Yazoo County Regional Correctional Facility. Family members of another inmate also made similar allegations.

Yazoo County Sheriff Department Chief Investigator Terry Gann said Friday the investigation is ongoing.

Gann said one of the guards admitted he had sex with an inmate, but the investigation hasn't found evidence of forcible rape.

However, Gann said it's still a crime under state law for any jailer, guard, employee of the Department of Corrections, sheriff, constable, marshal, other officer, or employee of a law enforcement agency or correctional facility to engage in sexual activity with any offender, even with the offender's consent.

A person faces up to a five years in prison and a $5,000 fine if convicted of violating the law.

Gann said Friday he was going through jail video and would also interview other female inmates as part of the investigation at the regional jail, one of the 15 regional facilities in the state.

Gann said he expects the investigation to continue for a few more days.

The Clarion Ledger doesn't identify victims of alleged sexual assault.

This story may update.

Contact Jimmie E. Gates at 601-961-7212 or jgates@gannett.com. Follow @jgatesnews on Twitter.