Chatham Co. Sheriff's deputy fired, arrested after inappropriate contact with female inmate

SAVANNAH, GA (WTOC) - In a news conference on Monday, Chatham County Sheriff John Wilcher announced the firing and arrest of a seven-year veteran deputy.

Cpl. Samuel Richardson was terminated from his position and arrested for inappropriate contact with a female inmate. According to Wilcher, Richardson was arrested and charged with Sexual Assault by a person With Supervisory or Disciplinary Authority, which is a felony.

According to Wilcher, the inappropriate contact between Richardson and the inmate occurred anywhere from three to five weeks. Wilcher said "this will not be tolerated" and Richardson's case has been turned over to the District Attorney's Office.

Richardson worked in a housing unit where three female inmates were housed.

"As I said when I took office in April that I'm not going to tolerate anyone taking advantage of anybody. Whether that be an inmate or whether that be an officer," said Sheriff Wilcher.

His case has been turned over to the Chatham County District Attorney's Office.

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