Deputies Arrest County Corrections Officer Following Investigation Into Sexual Misconduct With Inmate

Date Added: May 15, 2024 7:30 pm

DEPUTIES ARREST COUNTY CORRECTIONS OFFICER FOLLOWING INVESTIGATION INTO SEXUAL MISCONDUCT WITH INMATE

A Volusia County Corrections officer has been arrested on several charges stemming from sexual misconduct with an inmate.

Deputies arrested Volusia County Corrections Lt. Jonathan Harding at approximately 1:30 p.m. today on five charges: felony Sexual Misconduct (Employee/Inmate), felony Unlawful Use of Two-way Communication Device, two felony counts of Introduction of Contraband to County Detention Facility, and a misdemeanor count of Introduction of Contraband to County Detention Facility.

Volusia County corrections officers became aware of suspicious activity involving Harding earlier this month and reported it to Internal Affairs, which immediately began an investigation.

Once sufficient evidence was discovered, Harding was reassigned to duties outside corrections, and the investigation was transferred to the Volusia Sheriff’s Office, which is a separate agency that is independent of the county’s Corrections Division.

The evidence and a thorough investigation showed Harding had sexual contact with an inmate at the facility and also provided her with contraband items, including a cell phone.

Harding was secured without incident, immediately booked into the Volusia County Branch Jail, and detained in solitary confinement. Harding’s first court appearance is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. tomorrow, May 16. He will be subsequently transported to the Flagler County Jail for the duration of his pretrial detainment or until a bond is posted.