At a Monday press conference, the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office (MCSO) discussed the recent arrests of two employees at the Montgomery County Youth Detention Facility for sex-abuse crimes.
Assistant Chief of the MCSO Wesley Richerson said the facility's director contacted his office last Wednesday about a "situation" at the detention facility.
"This is an extremely disturbing situation, and, to be frank, I'm absolutely appalled at what the evidence has revealed in this case," Richardson said.
According to Richardson, their investigation led them to believe a resident at the facility had been sexually abused by an employee "on or about December 15."
Court records claim the December 15 event involved then-employee Kentavious Miller. According to records, Miller was arrested on Wednesday and is accused of entering the room of a male juvenile at the facility and sexually assaulting the boy while he was in bed. Miller was taken to the Montgomery County Detention Facility on one charge of first-degree sexual abuse and released on Bond.
Richardson says the investigation also uncovered allegations against another employee who was arrested days later.
Labradford Jamell Armistad, 35, was arrested Friday on seven charges of first-degree sodomy. The crimes reportedly happened between Oct. 15 and Nov. 25 while Armistad was working as a detention guard in the facility. Court records state that Armistad engaged in multiple sex acts with at least one 14-year-old boy, including giving and receiving oral sex and forcible penetration. He is currently held without bond.
Richerson said Miller had been employed at the facility for five months, and Armistead had been there for five years.
The MCSO said the District Attorney's office had become involved and that Sheriff Derrick Cunningham had reached out to the FBI to open a Civil Rights investigation since the alleged crimes involve incarcerated individuals.
"Simply put, we will not tolerate those who abuse their positions to harm others, and we will ensure that all suspects are held accountable in this case," Richerson continued.
Cunningham stressed the importance of transparency in these situations, emphatically stating that he intends to seek the fullest punishment possible.
"I think this is something that we need to bring out to the community," Cunningham said. "We need to let people know what exactly took place. I don't like speculations; I would rather come straight out and tell you what took place, and that's what we're doing."
He continued, "Don't get me wrong, there ain't nothing different in these guys than the people that we go look for, the child predators out here on the street, and we're removing them from the street. Ain't nothing no different. Don't think that we're sugarcoating it. I'm upset. You can tell by Chief Richerson and Chief Murphy, we're all upset. We're talking about our kids."
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email craig.monger@1819news.com.
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