FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 23, 2005

BRUSHY MOUNTAIN CORRECTIONAL OFFICER TERMINATED FOR IMPROPER RELATIONSHIP WITH INMATE

WARTBURG, Tenn. - Officials with the Tennessee Department of Correction have terminated a Brushy Mountain Correctional Complex employee for violation of TDOC policy prohibiting personal relationships with inmates.

During an internal affairs interview on November 16, 2005, Correctional Officer Randall Ridenour admitted that on July 18, during a court run to Roane County, he allowed inmate George Hyatte to use his personal cell phone to talk with his wife, Jennifer Hyatte.  He also admitted to placing a call to Jennifer Hyatte later that day in order to discuss inmate Hyatte.

Ridenour is charged with violation of TDOC Policy 305.03, Employee/Offender Relationships, which states that "relationships between TDOC employees and offenders shall be only of a professional nature."  By allowing Inmate Hyatte to use his personal cell phone and also by contacting an inmate's wife, there is a clear violation of the above mentioned policy as well as the oath of office and code of conduct.  He is also being charged with conduct unbecoming of an employee in state service.

Ridenour was placed on administrative leave last week pending the outcome of a disciplinary due process hearing scheduled for Wednesday morning.  The hearing was held in abstention, resulting in the termination of Randall Ridenour's employment with the Department of Correction.

An internal affairs investigation is ongoing at this time.  Any and all information collected during the course of the investigation that alleges a criminal act will be turned over to the District Attorney's office for prosecution.

 
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