The former administrator of the Little River County jail is accused of sexual misconduct with an inmate during a four-month period earlier this year.
Mary Ann Gibson, 44, allegedly shared meals, cigarettes, conversation and sex with a 35-year-old male inmate, according to an arrest affidavit. Gibson’s misconduct with the inmate occurred from May to August.
During that time, Gibson would let the inmate out of his cell and walk with him to a building dubbed the “Round House,” on the north side of the courthouse in Ashdown, Ark., where maintenance equipment is stored. Gibson would allegedly give the inmate cigarettes, which is prohibited, and the two would kiss. This conduct allegedly happened on a bench on the courthouse lawn also, away from the view of surveillance cameras, and during walks together to a nearby dumpster.
Gibson allegedly touched the inmate sexually while the inmate was in his cell. Gibson and the inmate were caught on video surveillance chatting with each other on numerous occasions “at all hours of the day and night.”
Gibson is accused of often bringing meals to the inmate from local restaurants such as Olive Garden, Herb’s and Long John Silver. The two would eat together on the courthouse lawn or in Gibson’s office. Gibson allegedly would call a Little River County jailer and direct him to put the inmate on the phone so he and Gibson could talk.
Providing an inmate with cigarettes, outside food and cell phone use is prohibited under Arkansas law.
Gibson is currently free on a $10,000 bond. Gibson is charged with fourth degree sexual assault and with furnishing prohibited articles. Both crimes are punishable by up to six years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.
