A former jailer at the Barrow County Detention Center found herself behind bars Friday amid allegations she put pepper spray into inmates' food.
Lolita Julia Lightner, age 50 of Winder, was arrested Friday on charges of cruelty to inmates and violation of oath by a public officer. She was released from the county detention center around a half hour after being booked there on $6,000 bond.
A release Friday from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation said they were asked to investigate Lightner by the Barrow County Sheriff's Office on July 21 after several inmates were reportedly affected by a substance believed to be pepper spray. The GBI release said the substance was intentionally put into the inmates' food.
"Lightner was in charge of the care of the inmates. At this point in the investigation, agents suspect that she acted alone," Friday's release said.
The GBI's release did not indicate a motive for Lightner's alleged actions. Officials are asking anyone with additional information on the case to contact investigators by calling 1-800-597-8477 or by submitting a tip online.
