Former St. Tammany Correctional Officer Arrested After Striking Inmate

A former St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office correctional officer has been arrested after authorities say she struck an inmate inside the St. Tammany Parish Correctional Center following an incident in which the inmate had allegedly been taunting her.

Jamyranesha Williams, 24, was terminated from her position after admitting to a supervisor Thursday night, September 17, that she struck the inmate, according to information released by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office.

Following an investigation into the incident, Williams was issued a summons for simple battery Friday afternoon, September 18.

Williams had been employed as a correctional officer with the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office since July 2024, meaning she had worked for the agency for a little more than two years before her termination.

The Sheriff’s Office said Williams admitted her actions to a supervisor and that the incident was investigated before the decision was made to terminate her employment and issue the summons.

Authorities have not released additional details about what happened immediately before the confrontation. The Sheriff’s Office described the inmate as having been “taunting” Williams but did not disclose what was allegedly said or done, how long the interaction continued, or what specifically led to Williams striking the inmate.

The agency also did not provide additional details about the physical encounter, including where the inmate was struck or whether the inmate suffered any injuries.

Sheriff Bret Ibert addressed the incident and said employees of the Sheriff’s Office are expected to maintain professional standards even when dealing with difficult circumstances.

“Our employees are expected to conduct themselves professionally at all times, regardless of the circumstances,” Ibert said. “When someone fails to meet those standards, we will address it immediately and hold them accountable.”

The case highlights the standards correctional officers are expected to follow while working inside detention facilities, where employees routinely interact with inmates who may be confrontational, disruptive or verbally abusive. While correctional officers can use force in certain circumstances, the circumstances surrounding any use of force can become the subject of an internal or criminal investigation.

In this case, the information released by the Sheriff’s Office indicates that Williams’ actions were determined to warrant both termination from her position and a criminal summons.

A simple battery allegation generally involves the intentional use of force or violence against another person without that person’s consent. The issuance of a summons means Williams has been accused of the offense, but the charge itself is not a determination of guilt. The case will proceed through the appropriate court process.

The Sheriff’s Office has not indicated that any additional employees were involved or that anyone else is facing disciplinary action in connection with the incident.

It also remains unclear whether surveillance footage captured the encounter. Correctional facilities typically contain extensive security camera systems, but the Sheriff’s Office did not disclose whether video or other evidence was reviewed as part of the investigation.

Williams is no longer employed by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office.

The investigation moved quickly following the reported incident. Williams admitted to striking the inmate Thursday night, according to the agency, and by Friday afternoon the investigation had resulted in her termination and a summons for simple battery.

The Sheriff’s Office has not announced any additional charges in connection with the incident.

As the case moves forward, additional information could become available through court proceedings, including further details about the confrontation and the circumstances that resulted in Williams allegedly striking the inmate.

For now, Williams faces a simple battery allegation while Sheriff Bret Ibert says the agency will hold employees accountable when they fail to meet the professional standards expected of them.