Over the last week, a Louisiana Department of Corrections investigation has prompted the resignation of seven employees at the Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola, including two Mississippi residents.

West Feliciana Parish Sheriff’s detectives have arrested four of these employees, with charges against the other three pending. The allegations range from prison employees having inappropriate relationships with offenders to conspiring with prisoners and their families to smuggle contraband into the prison.

On March 11, 2019:

• Denise Prevot, 45, of Mansura, admitted to having sex and an inappropriate relationship with an offender. West Feliciana Parish Sheriff’s Deputies booked Prevot with felony malfeasance; sexual misconduct prohibited. Prevot resigned during the investigation. She had been employed at Louisiana State Penitentiary as a corrections officer since June 5, 2017.

On March 8, 2019:
• Sarah Veals, 62, of Woodville, Mississippi, admitted to having an inappropriate relationship with an offender. The investigation into Veals’ misconduct continues, with charges pending. She resigned immediately. She had been employed at Louisiana State Penitentiary as a corrections officer since January 16, 2018. Veals posted a public comment on Facebook denying the charges writing, “I have been falsely accused, character defamed, as well as my career sabotaged. I stand boldly acknowledging and warning you to be careful what you listen to or read because in my case, IT IS DEFINITELY NOT TRUE.”

• Precious Fitzgerald, 25, of Natchez, Mississippi, admitted to having an inappropriate relationship with an offender. The investigation into Fitzgerald’s misconduct continues, with charges pending. She resigned immediately. She had been employed at Louisiana State Penitentiary as a corrections officer since October 16, 2017.

• Deidra Whittaker, 47, of St. Francisville, Louisiana, admitted to having an inappropriate relationship with an offender. Deputies booked Whittaker with felony malfeasance in office. She resigned immediately. She had been employed at Louisiana State Penitentiary as a corrections officer since July 2, 2018.

• Alexis McGraw, 35, of Clayton, Louisiana, admitted to having an inappropriate relationship with an offender. Deputies booked McGraw with felony malfeasance in office. She resigned immediately. She had been employed at Louisiana State Penitentiary as a corrections officer since November 14, 2016.

• Myron Cage, 21, of Ferriday, Louisiana, admitted to conspiring with offenders and offenders’ relatives to smuggle contraband into the prison. Deputies booked Cage with felony malfeasance in office. He resigned immediately. He had been employed at Louisiana State Penitentiary as a corrections officer since November 5, 2018.

• Toni Williams, 48, of St. Francisville, Louisiana, admitted to having an inappropriate relationship with an offender. The investigation into Williams misconduct continues, with charges pending. She resigned immediately. She had been employed at Louisiana State Penitentiary as a nurse since July 3, 2017.

The six correctional officers held the rank of sergeant.

The offenders involved were in violation of various offender rules, and were all placed in administrative segregation pending the outcome of the investigation.

More arrests are expected as the investigation continues.