Detectives investigating jail allegations in Carter

By TIM PRESTON
The Independent

GRAYSON April 15, 2008 11:20 pm

— State police detectives are investigating allegations made against staff members at the Carter County Detention Center following reports about “assaults involving inmates,” according to Kentucky State Police Trooper Elliott Gollihue.
Gollihue, public information officer for KSP Post 14 in Ashland, confirmed detectives have been conducting an investigation at the detention center in Grayson, although he was unable to discuss details.
Chief Deputy William Bailey said the investigation began after Jailer Randy Binion called state police following an assault incident at the detention center. Bailey said one of the inmates involved in the situation apparently made allegations that a jail guard or other employee was involved in the incident.
“We’re doing everything we are asked to do,” Bailey said of the investigation.
Binion is hospitalized and could not respond to questions about the ongoing investigation.
Two guards at the detention center, Cliff Estep and Loraine Savage, are on paid administrative leave although officials are not saying why.
Carter County Judge-Executive Charles Wallace said he is aware of the investigation, although also unable to comment about the circumstances while the inquiry continues. The county judge said most of the detention center’s federal prisoners have been removed from local custody, which he expects to cause considerable financial hardship for the detention center during the rest of the fiscal year.
“There are a lot of problems at that jail right now,” Wallace said.
A recent audit by State Auditor Crit Luallen recommended Carter County’s jailer “should increase internal controls over the billing for inmates from other counties,” and cited the Morgan County Fiscal Court being overbilled by more than $50,000 during the past four years.
The state auditor also recommended the jail “should adhere” to requirements for purchases from jail commissary funds.
TIM PRESTON can be reached at tpreston@dailyindependent.com or at (606) 326-2651.