OCONEE COUNTY, Ga. — The Oconee County Sheriff’s office has fired and arrested a jail employee accused of having inappropriate sexual contact with an inmate.
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Sheriff James A. Hale said he was made aware of the allegations against Blake Patat, 30, on Aug. 3. The Sheriff’s Office launched an internal investigation, which produced enough evidence to fire two jail employees and warrant a criminal investigation of Patat.
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The Sheriff’s Office called in the GBI, who arrested Patat on Friday. He was charged with violation of oath of office and felony sexual assault.
“It is disappointing to terminate and arrest one of our employees,” Hale said in a statement on Facebook. “While upsetting, I am pleased to know he will answer for his actions.”
The Sheriff’s Office posted a photo of Patat on Facebook in May, congratulating him on his recent graduation from jail school.
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he name of the other employee who was fired has not been released.
The investigation is ongoing.
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