PINE BLUFF, Ark. — A deputy jailer at the W.C. “Dub” Brassell Adult Detention Center has been arrested following allegations of an inappropriate romantic relationship with a female detainee.
The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office announced that Deputy Jailer Keywand Harris was taken into custody on charges of prohibited fraternization and violations of law and agency policy. The investigation began on August 27, 2025, when the Sheriff’s Criminal Investigation Division received information about the alleged misconduct.
Jefferson County Sheriff Lafayette Woods, Jr. expressed deep disappointment over the incident, emphasizing that those sworn to enforce the law must uphold the highest ethical standards. “Any betrayal of that trust, especially involving a person in custody, undermines public confidence,” Woods said.
Investigators found that Harris had spent extended periods in the female housing unit and engaged in inappropriate physical contact with a female detainee. During an interview, Harris admitted to a prior sexual relationship with the detainee before her arrest and acknowledged maintaining contact and kissing her while she was in custody.
Harris has been charged with Sexual Assault in the Third Degree, a Class C felony in Arkansas, carrying potential penalties of 3 to 10 years in prison and fines up to $10,000. He was placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the ongoing investigation.
The case remains under active investigation by local authorities.
