An ongoing undercover drug investigation, in conjunction with internal controls and standard security measures, has resulted in the arrest of two Tipton County Sheriff’s Office corrections officers.
On 28 November 2018 at approximately 10:00 PM, on duty Corrections Sergeant Pauline (Matley) Simmerman (48) was taken into custody by Sheriff’s Office officials, after she allowed for and accepted the delivery of scheduled narcotics at the Criminal Justice Complex. She is currently being held no bond for Introduction of Contraband Into A Penal Institution. Shortly thereafter, Inmate Work Crew Supervisor Michael Simmerman (42) was also taken into custody. He is currently being held no bond for Criminal Conspiracy for Introduction of Contraband Into A Penal Institution. He was not on duty at the time of his arrest. The two officers are also husband and wife. Both officers’ employment has been terminated.
Also arrested as a result of this incident were Leticia Ann Delgado (26) and April Michelle O’Neal (31) of Covington. Both are charged with Delivery of a Schedule II Narcotic. The investigation is very active and ongoing and Sheriff’s Office officials are working closely with 25th Judicial District Attorney General Mark Davidson to prepare further charges in the case. Other arrests are likely.
“To say that we are disappointed and outraged in this situation would be a gross understatement,” said Sheriff J.T. “Pancho” Chumley, “however, the actions of those involved in this incident do not reflect the hard work and integrity of the men and women of this office as a whole. We are pleased the internal control and standard security measures we have in place are working to quickly identify these type incidents.”
“A very low percentage of law enforcement and corrections officers engage in official misconduct and corruption, but when they do it tarnishes our criminal justice system. This swift and thorough investigation by the Tipton County Sheriff’s Office, along with these serious charges, will hopefully deter other corrupt law enforcement behavior and send a message that nobody is above the law,” said 25th Judicial District Attorney General Mark Davidson.
If anyone has information in this, or any other case, please call the Criminal Investigations Division at 901-475-3300, Central Dispatch after hours at 901-475-4300, phone in tips at 901-475-3307, email tips to sheriff@tiptonco.com or Facebook Sheriff J.T. Pancho Chumley. Anonymous tips may be submitted to the Tipton County tip411 app or by texting “Tipton” to 847411.
