Jail deputy accused of sexually assaulting handcuffed inmate

Joseph Conner
Joseph Conner

A Pulaski County jail deputy is accused of sexually assaulting an handcuffed inmate he was supposed to guard at a local hospital.

Joseph Conner, 27, was arrested Tuesday afternoon on a charge of third-degree sexual assault.

A Pulaski County sheriff's office arrest report says Conner was assigned to guard a female inmate who was taken to UAMS Medical Center for treatment of an unspecified ailment.

The report says the inmate, who was handcuffed to the bed during her hospital stay, told investigators she fell asleep and awoke to find "deputy Conner had placed his erect penis in the palm of her hand." She removed her hand and nothing further occurred, police added.

According to the report, Conner acknowledged doing so but said it was the inmate's "idea to do this."

Conner, who has been a jail employee since Feb. 25, 2013, was first placed on administrative leave pending a hearing, Pulaski County sheriff's office Lt. Carl Minden said. Officials said later Wednesday that Conner had resigned his position effective immediately.

Conner was released from jail about 8:15 p.m. Tuesday after posting $15,000 bond, Minden said.

A first court appearance is scheduled for Aug. 26.

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