By Michael Pineda
mpineda@cherryroad.com

The fallout from an investigation of a former Carter County Detention Center employee has led to a second arrest and an arrest warrant on a third individual.

Kevin White was charged with two counts of felony sexual battery. Sheriff Chris Bryant said White worked in the detention center for Benchmark, which provides food services. White is alleged to have attempted to have a sexual relationship with a trustee. Bryant said the trustee informed the detention center staff what had taken place and an investigation ensued.

A warrant was also issued for the arrest of former Carter County Detention Center employee Shelby Wheeler pending a felony charge of sexual battery and two felony charges of bringing contraband into jail/penal institution.

Wheeler was terminated from her position as a detention officer on June 18 and immediately interviewed by Sheriff’s Office Investigators Alan Carpenter and Clay Lintner. It was the same day fellow former detention officer Justin Johnson, was terminated from his position and interviewed by the sheriff’s office.

Carter County Sheriff Chris Bryant said the investigation came as the result of a tip. Wheeler, who was an employee with the detention center for three months, made statements indicating she had an emotional relationship with an inmate.

Wheeler is alleged to have provided a vape and weed pen for certain inmates and to have provided a phone to an inmate. A shakedown of the cell blocks resulted in the discovery of a cell phone.

The victim made statements indicating she had known Wheeler for 13 years and made indications there had been physical interactions between the two of them.

The victim also stated Wheeler continued to have contact with her after she had been terminated. That included Wheeler continuing to place money into her account.

As of Wednesday afternoon, Wheeler had not turned herself in. Bryant said the office is working with the Chickasaw Lighthorse Police, as Wheeler is a tribal member.