Swannanoa, NC — A former correctional officer at the Western Correctional Center for Women has been arrested on a felony charge after investigators alleged he engaged in a relationship with a detainee at the state prison in Swannanoa.
The Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office announced that James Allen Mathes, 66, of McDowell County, was arrested following an investigation that began last month. Detectives charged Mathes with Felony Sexual Act by Government/Private Institution Employee, a charge that applies when correctional staff engage in sexual conduct with individuals under their supervision.
Investigation Began With PREA Complaint
According to the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office, the case originated from a complaint filed under the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) at the Western Correctional Center for Women.
Prison administrators received the complaint and later referred the matter for criminal prosecution through the facility’s warden.
Detectives said their investigation determined that Mathes was allegedly involved in a relationship with a detainee housed at the prison.
Former Officer Held Without Bond
Following the investigation, Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office detectives arrested Mathes and booked him into the Buncombe County Detention Facility.
Authorities said he is being held without bond.
The sheriff’s office did not release additional details about the alleged relationship or identify the detainee involved.