Liberty County corrections officer arrested after allegedly sexually battering female inmate, FDLE says

Christopher Cann, Tallahassee Democrat
·1 min read

A former corrections officer for the Liberty County Sheriff's Office (LCSO) was arrested Thursday morning after he allegedly raped a female inmate, according to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE).

Shelton Nikita Turner, 57, of Quincy, faces a charge of sexual battery on a victim 18 years of age or older with special circumstances, read a news release published by FDLE.

The investigation began in February after LCSO contacted FDLE regarding allegations that Turner had raped an inmate, the release said.

More corrections staff charges:

The investigation moved quickly as agents conducted interviews, reviewed video surveillance and processed DNA evidence.

"Investigators found that Turner instructed the victim to go to an area that was out of sight of other people and surveillance cameras," read a summary by FDLE. "Once the inmate was cornered, Turner sexually battered her."

Turner was fired from the Liberty County Sheriff's Office immediately after an interview with FDLE agents.

"We prize integrity and respect in our members, and I moved to quickly terminate Turner once his actions came to light," read a statement from Liberty County Sheriff Buddy Money. "His actions do not represent the high standards LCSO members are held to, and I am proud of the LCSO members who helped to preserve evidence and ensure the victim received justice.”

Turner was booked into the Gadsden County Jail Thursday, where he remains without bail.

Contact Christopher Cann at ccann@tallahassee.com and follow @ChrisCannFL on Twitter.

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This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: FDLE: Liberty County corrections officer arrested on sexual battery charge