Van Zandt County Jailer Arrested

22 year old Steven Barker  of Wills Point was arrested Wednesday  after an investigation was initiated by the Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office for sexual contact with a person in custody.

Barker was employed by the Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office as a detention officer since August 2013 until he was terminated shortly before his arrest. The investigation began after jail officials recovered a letter written by an inmate. During the investigation it was determined Barker was having an improper relationship with a female inmate by writing letters and discussing “hooking up” when she was released. The female inmate was interviewed by investigators and admitted on one occasion Barker made contact with the female inmate while at her cell and sexual contact ensued. Barker is being held at the Van Zandt County Jail pending arraignment for a state jail felony with a recommended bond of $50,000. Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office officials stated “we hold our employees to a higher standard and if it is determined a law is broken then actions will be taken to see that justice is served on that individual.”