Benton County Corrections Officer Fired, Faces Sexual Misconduct Charges

The 8-year veteran was terminated over charges of allegedly  having sex with a female inmate.

Oscar Gonzalez was terminated Friday, according to Benton County officials.  An internal investigation this week was led to his termination, after allegations surfaced that he allegedly had sexual contact with the prisoner, according to Benton County Sheriff Steve Keane.

Specific information about the charges was not released, Benton County officials said Gonzalez had no prior disciplinary issues and had had favorable performance reviews during his time at the Benton County Jail  and Justice Center.

Besides his termination, he is facing a second-degree custodial sexual misconduct charge.  It's illegal for any workers to have sexual contact with inmates if those employees work at the jail.