DUMAS, Ark. – Two Desha County men who worked at the Dumas City Jail are on the other side of the bars after being accused of either having sex with female inmates and/or furnishing prohibited articles to inmates.

Bobby Kennedy, 40, and Phillip Derozier, 24, who both worked as jailers, were arrested in a joint investigation that involved multiple agencies.

According to Lt. Jason Akers of the 10th Drug Task Force, Kennedy, who also served as an auxiliary police officer, is charged with Sexual Assault 3rd Degree, delivery of a controlled substance (hydrocodone), and Furnishing Prohibited Articles into a correctional facility. He was ordered held on a $50,000 bond.

Derozier, who also worked as a jailer, is charged with furnishing prohibited articles (cigarettes) into a correctional facility. He was ordered jailed on a $10,000 bond.

Akers says the investigation by task force agents began after they received information that drugs and other contraband were being smuggled into the jail.

Lt. Akers stated that the task force greatly appreciated the assistance of Dumas Police Chief Everett Cox for his assistance in the investigation. “Chief Cox was made aware at the onset of the investigation and provided invaluable assistance throughout the course of the case that enabled us to conduct a thorough, clear and complete investigation into this matter.”