Two former guards of Middle River Regional Jail are being charged with having inappropriate sexual relations with inmates. James Pysell and Tracy Smith, both of Waynesboro, were removed from their jobs at the prison in September for their behavior.

Lt. Robert Moubray of the Middle River Regional Jail says he found out in September that some of his officers were allegedly taking inappropriate actions against inmates.

"In September of this year, I received some information that there was some a possibility two of our officers involved in some criminal activity within the jail here." says Moubray.

He went to the Commonwealth's Attorney with his information, which resulted in three indictments.

Moubray says, "Officer James Pysell was indicted for criminal solicitation for intercourse or sodomy. He was also indicted on a misdemeanor count of sexual battery with an inmate. The other officer, Officer Tracy Smith, was indicted for one count carnal of an inmate."

According to court records, there were two victims of the crimes. Moubray says the chief priority of the jail is to protect the people in their custody.

He says, "Being an inmate, they obviously don't have a choice of it being consensual or not. That’s the best way to say it. Sexual abuse in general is unwanted touching."

Moubray stresses action was taken against the two men as soon as the allegations came to light.

"The incidents that I investigated occurred between June and Augusta of this year. So the information I had was pretty recent once I got it and handled pretty quickly," says Moubray.