A Pulaski County jail deputy has been fired after being accused of sexually assaulting an inmate who was being transported to a state prison facility, authorities said Tuesday.
Arkansas State Police say 29-year-old Michael Graff was arrested Monday night and booked into the White County jail on a charge of third-degree sexual assault.
A spokesman for the sheriff's office said Graff had worked as an intake deputy and his duties included after-hours transport of inmates.
The termination letter addressed to Graff, which was signed by Sheriff Doc Holladay, said that because he was arrested, Graff violated the office's standards of conduct. It noted the standards violated were promoting a positive public image and obeying directives, rules, policies and procedures.
The letter said Graff has a week to turn in his county-issued equipment.
According to a state police news release, Graff was accused of assaulting a 26-year-old female inmate who was being transported to the Arkansas Department of Correction McPherson Unit, which is northeast of Newport. Police say they were told it happened south of Searcy.
"Agents will continue their investigation today and will present information to the prosecuting attorney to file formal charges," state police said in the release.