FARMINGTON – A detention officer at the jail in San Juan County has been arrested and charged with multiple counts of having sexual contact with an inmate and with bringing contraband into the jail.

The county sheriff's office said Friday that it was called to investigate after an inmate at the adult detention center in Farmington reported that 23-year-old Kendall Frank Begay had sexual contact with an inmate.

Detectives interviewed two inmates and Begay and determined he had sexual contact with a female inmate six times. He also allegedly brought contraband into the jail twice in exchange for money.

Begay was arrested Tuesday and charged with six felony counts of having sexual contact with an inmate by a person in authority. He also faces two felony charges of bring contraband into the jail.

Records show Begay had an initial court appearance on Wednesday but did not enter a plea to the charges. There is no attorney listed in online records who could comment on his behalf. A sheriff's spokeswoman said he was released from custody after the court hearing.

Jail administrator Daniel Webb said Begay is no longer employed as a detention officer.