Sex ring busted at Escambia County jail

PENSACOLA, Florida (WALA) - Investigators say a sex ring has been uncovered within the Escambia County Florida Jail. The Sheriff's Office says a jail custodian was allowing inmates to get out of jail, so they could have sex. The woman was allegedly getting cash in exchange for letting inmates out.

"It started at $25 to have sex in the building to $100 plus to leave the compound." said Sheriff David Morgan.

Investigators say this was happening at the jail. They say a jail custodian, Tracey Belton, was facilitating sex between inmates and civilians. Investigators say if the inmates paid to leave the jail, they could roam the streets as long as they came back within a certain amount of time.

"For a certain amount of money we would allow you to leave the compound, meaning we would allow you to leave Escambia County Jail and Escambia County compound area. Clothes are provided and you could come back in a three to four hour period." said Sheriff Morgan.

Investigators say after the inmates went out, they could bring contraband back in. Deputies issued warrants for ten people. They will arrest civilians who aided in escape and inmates who smuggled in marijuana, tobacco, and food. The Sheriff says not much money changed hands.

"It's not a lucrative business, if anything it is the first step of enticement to now be owned by the criminal element. Don't think this was a matter of misconduct that made a lot of money for a lot of people, just the reverse is true." said Morgan.

Investigators say they originally found out about the ring because Belton, the custodian, threw a pizza and beer party for the inmates involved. Morgan says it happened in March, after a detention deputy was arrested for sneaking in a cell phone. The Sheriff says the party was thrown, to celebrate not getting caught.

Investigators expect several more arrests.