Disguised inmate helped transport detainees, sheriff says

PAULS VALLEY, Okla. (AP) – A Garvin County transport deputy has been fired after authorities said he had an inmate disguise himself as a fellow deputy and help transport U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainees.

The former deputy is accused of telling the inmate to wear a black windbreaker jacket and a deputy sheriff ball cap before removing the inmate’s restraints. According to jail inspection records from the state Health Department, the inmate helped handle detainees at the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Processing Center in Oklahoma City, and was left unattended without restraints at one point.

After the former deputy and inmate were done transporting the detainees, authorities said the inmate was allowed to sit in the front of the transport van.

The Oklahoman reports that the 45-year-old was fired April 14.

Garvin County Sheriff Larry Rhodes called the former deputy’s actions "inexcusable."