The Arkansas Department of Correction says allegations of sexual misconduct at a women's prison in Newport that may have led to a federal investigation involve a former prison chaplain.
Department spokeswoman Cathy Frye said Friday that two inmates at the McPherson Unit told prison staff in December that they had a sexual relationship with the former chaplain for about 3 1/2 years.
The former chaplain's name was not released.
The U.S. Department of Justice announced Thursday that it has opened an investigation into allegations of sexual abuse and harassment by multiple prison staff.
Arkansas State Police have investigated the allegations against the former chaplain and turned a report over to the prosecuting attorney's office in Newport. The prosecutor did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
