Candice Williams

The Detroit News

A former Macomb County sheriff’s deputy could face time behind bars after he allegedly fondled a female inmate in the Macomb County Jail.

Steven Robert Vaneenoo, 43, was arraigned Tuesday in 41B District Court in Clinton Township on a charge of fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct, a two-year high court misdemeanor.

An investigation on Vaneenoo of Macomb Township began when Macomb County Sheriff’s command officers investigated an incident between two female inmates.

“One of the inmates confided in detectives that on a previous occasion, she had been allegedly fondled by a Correction’s deputy,” officials wrote Tuesday. “An exhaustive investigation followed.”

Detectives said that on Dec. 18, 2015, while doing a security check, Vaneenoo allegedly reached through the bars at the jail and fondled the woman’s breasts.

Vaneenoo resigned following the allegations, officials said. He was employed with the sheriff’s office for 19 years.

Vaneenoo also allegedly set up a phone account so certain female inmates could call his personal cellphone, officials said.

“As soon as we became aware of the allegations, we began an immediate and thorough investigation into Mr. Vaneenoo’s conduct while working in the jail,” Macomb County Sheriff Anthony Wickersham said in a statement. “With few exceptions, our employees come in and do a difficult job with little fan-fare and a high degree of trust. Vaneenoo’s conduct is a departure from the high-standards that our employees operate under day-in and day-out.”

A $5,000 personal bond was set. He is expected to return to court Aug. 10.

cwilliams@detroitnews.com

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