MONTGOMERY, Ala. — A sergeant working at a women’s prison in Alabama has been arrested and is facing charges of custodial sexual misconduct, as announced by officials on Thursday.

Laquentin Brantley, aged 34, serves as a correctional sergeant at the Julia Tutwiler Women’s Facility located in Wetumpka. In addition to the misconduct charges, he is also charged with sodomy, as per the Alabama Department of Corrections.

According to court documents, a female inmate reported that Brantley coerced her into engaging in sexual activities. She alleged that he threatened to impose disciplinary actions against her if she refused, which could result in an extension of her prison sentence and hinder her ability to reunite with her children.

The court records do not reveal whether Brantley has secured legal representation.

As a result of the charges, Brantley has been placed on mandatory leave by the Alabama Department of Corrections.

In 2015, the U.S. Department of Justice accused Alabama of infringing on the constitutional rights of inmates at Tutwiler, citing a longstanding issue of sexual abuse and harassment perpetrated by staff members against prisoners. Following these allegations, the state committed to implementing measures aimed at enhancing the safety and rights of the women held in the facility.

However, earlier this year, the Justice Department made the decision to reduce oversight at the prison, despite the previous concerns about the treatment of inmates.