TEXARKANA, Ark. (AP) -- A former Miller County jailer facing a charge of sexual misconduct with female inmates has been found shot to death.
Authorities say the body of 55-year-old Patrick Drake was found outside a tire store in Bowie County, Texas, about 8:00 a.m. Tuesday with a gunshot wound to the head. Sheriff's Capt. Jeff Neal said it appears the wound was self-inflicted.
Drake was due in court Tuesday for a pretrial hearing on a third-degree sexual assault charge.
Drake was fired and arrested in December when allegations surfaced that he and another guard had inappropriate sexual contact with female inmates in November at the Miller County jail.
Drake had maintained his innocence at earlier court hearings and his attorney said he was prepared to take the case to trial.
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Information from: Texarkana Gazette, http://www.texarkanagazette.com
(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
