A former Wagoner County detention officer is now on the other side of the bars after surrendering to deputies Saturday on two felony counts of sexual battery, according to county officials. The arrest has triggered both a criminal investigation and an internal review at the county jail.
Investigators identified the suspect as Byron Roberts of Pryor. Authorities say Roberts turned himself in at the Wagoner County Detention Center after jail administrators contacted investigators at about 11:00 p.m. Detectives then gathered statements from the people directly involved as well as multiple witnesses, as reported by FOX23.
Wagoner County Sheriff Chris Elliott said the department is treating the allegations with maximum seriousness. "The Wagoner County Sheriff's Office takes all allegations of misconduct and criminal behavior seriously, especially those involving individuals entrusted with the care and custody of others," Elliott said in a statement to FOX23.
Charges and the law
Roberts faces two counts of sexual battery, which are felony charges under Oklahoma law. State statute defines sexual battery as the intentional touching of another person in a lewd or lascivious way. A conviction can carry prison time and additional penalties, according to Justia.
Where the case stands
Officials say Roberts was booked into the Wagoner County jail at 307 E. Cherokee St. in Wagoner after he turned himself in. The investigation remains active, and prosecutors have not yet released information on formal filings or bond.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Wagoner County Sheriff's Office tip line at 918-485-7799 or call the department's main number. Additional contact details for the jail and sheriff's office are listed on the agency's website at the Wagoner County Sheriff's Office.
The arrest remains an allegation, and Roberts is presumed innocent unless and until he is proven guilty in court. This story will be updated as new court records or official public statements become available.
