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Search Menu Login Reset Password Home Weather Archive Sign Up for Alerts Full Site Close Menu CRIME Jail contractor allegedly traded contraband for sex with inmates By By Thomas Moriarty Mail Tribune June 16, 2015 - 3:35 PM A food service contractor at the Jackson County Jail has been indicted on charges he gave inmates contraband in exchange for sexual favors. Buddy Gene Arnett, 46, of Medford was indicted Monday in Jackson County Circuit Court on charges of first-degree custodial sexual misconduct, three counts of second-degree custodial sexual misconduct, prostitution and three counts of supplying contraband. Investigators learned March 13 that Arnett, an employee of food-service contractor Aramark, allegedly had been having sexual contact with inmates, according to a sheriff's department news release. Arnett allegedly traded alcohol, tobacco and a cellphone in exchange for sexual favors, the release said. Investigators interviewed more than 20 witnesses, including jail inmates and employees, it said. Arnett's security clearance was revoked once the investigation began, the release said. According to the indictment, the alleged crimes occurred between Halloween 2014 and March 2015. A former jail inmate, William Tye Middlekauff, 27, of Medford, has been charged with promoting prostitution and two counts of supplying contraband for allegedly possessing the cellphone and tobacco while in jail custody. Middlekauff is currently in the custody of the Oregon Department of Corrections, beginning a 15-month prison sentence following a March conviction for failure to perform the duties of a driver to an injured person. Deputy District Attorney Laura Cromwell said that more than one inmate is involved in the case, but that Middlekauff was being charged for having allegedly arranged the sexual encounters with other inmates. "What we're alleging is that, for lack of a better word, he 'middled' the deals," she said. Cromwell said that Arnett, who hasn't been formally arrested, has been issued a summons to appear for arraignment July 9. The last major case involving a jail contractor was in 2013, when ConMed nurse Camilla Lynn Pierce was arrested for allegedly selling heroin to an inmate. Pierce later pleaded guilty in March 2014 to a single count of supplying contraband and was sentenced to two years' probation. Attempts to reach Aramark's media representative Tuesday were unsuccessful. Reach reporter Thomas Moriarty at 541-776-4471, or by email at [email protected] "> [email protected] . Follow him at @ThomasDMoriarty . Popular Today Now what? ATM skimmers found at RCU branches Ashland police: Woman killed when car rolls over her in driveway For employers, marijuana still a fireable offense Bike race 'done' after riders trash route Man jailed after alleged bat attack Two stabbed in west Medford Latest Photo Galleries home search Full Site video weather daily archive txt alerts about mobile website limelight deals jobs real estate © Copyright Local Media Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Local Media Group Publications | Full Site