The Alabama Department of Corrections (ADOC) announced Thursday the arrest of Laquentin Brantley, a corrections sergeant at Julia Tutwiler Prison for Women, on charges of sexual misconduct in custody. The arrest was made by ADOC’s Law Enforcement Services Division (LESD) with assistance from the US Marshals Service Task Force. Authorities executed the warrant at Brantley’s Montgomery residence, leading to his arrest without incident and subsequent transfer to the Elmore County Jail. As the investigation continues, Brantley has been placed on mandatory leave with the possibility of additional charges.

Julia Tutwiler Prison for Women, located in Wetumpka, Alabama, has a complex and controversial history. Established in 1942 and named after prison reform advocate Julia Strudwick Tutwiler, the facility has become notorious for issues that contrast sharply with Tutwiler’s vision of humane treatment for incarcerated women. Over the years, the prison has faced criticism for overcrowding conditions, inadequate medical and mental health care, and persistent allegations of abuse, including sexual misconduct by staff.

In 2014, a US Department of Justice investigation found a “history of ongoing inmate sexual harassment and abuse” at Tutwiler. The investigation’s findings revealed widespread sexual coercion and misconduct, drawing national attention and calls for reform. That report forced ADOC to implement reforms aimed at improving supervision and safety measures in Tutwiler and other state correctional facilities.

Under Alabama law, sexual misconduct in custody is a serious criminal charge, applicable when correctional staff engage in any form of sexual activity with inmates. The law prohibits all sexual contact between staff and incarcerated persons, recognizing the inherent power imbalance and vulnerability of inmates. The legislation seeks to protect those in custody from exploitation and emphasizes the need for accountability in correctional institutions.

In recent years, ADOC has worked to improve its response to allegations of misconduct through increased oversight and partnerships with law enforcement agencies such as the US Marshals. These efforts aim to strengthen accountability and ensure the safety of those in Alabama’s correctional system.