Corrupt Cops

Saturday, August 05, 2006
By CONNIE BAGGETT
Staff Reporter Mobile Press Register

BREWTON -- A former Escambia County Jail assistant administrator was arrested on ethics and theft charges Thursday as investigators continued a probe that they said uncovered money for special favors, weekend passes for sex offenders, unpaid use of inmate labor and falsified timecards.

Sheriff Grover Smith said the investigation remains ongoing and has led to several personnel changes.

Documents show that Valerie K. Lovelace Williams, 32, was charged with five counts of breaking state ethics laws and one count of theft involving more than $2,500.

The charges are the latest development at the jail, where a number of escapes have been reported in recent months. Last week, a jailer was arrested and fired after drugs and other contraband were discovered in his socks, pocket and wallet as he reported to work, authorities said.