Published: October 21, 2008 10:48 pm      

Correctional officer arrested for alleged inmate intimacy

A correctional officer at Southern Regional Jail has been arrested on a charge of sexual misconduct with an inmate, State Police said.

Cpl. Stephen Gillespie, 48, of Shady Spring, was arrested around 10:30 a.m. Tuesday and charged with sexual intercourse or sexual intrusion on incarcerated persons.

Trooper J.M. Ellison said he received a call around 4:30 p.m. Saturday from the administration of Southern Regional Jail in reference to a shift supervisor who walked in on a correctional officer having sexual relations with a female inmate.

“I went to the jail and obtained statements from witnesses, including the actual witness who walked in on the sexual misconduct,” Ellison said.

“After examining all of the evidence, I had probable cause to arrest (Gillespie) today.”

Gillespie has more than 16 years’ experience in state correctional facilities.

He was arraigned before Raleigh County Magistrate Mary Jennings, who set bond at $25,000.

Gillespie was released on the bond. A preliminary hearing, to be held within 20 days, is pending.

If convicted of the felony charge, Gillespie will face one to five years in prison.

— E-mail: jayres@register-herald.com