Arkansas governor wants ‘in-depth investigation’ after report outlines prison abuse

Ark. governor wants probe into prison abuse

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Arkansas Gov. Mike Beebe wants the state prison system to conduct an “in-depth investigation” amid revelations that an inmate nearly died after guards left him lying naked in his own feces for a weekend.

In an interview Tuesday with The Associated Press, Beebe said the January incident, along with recent escapes and allegations that guards were given lap dances by a nurse, raised serious concerns about the prison system.

The Democratic governor stopped short of calling it a systemic problem, saying officials needed to “analyze each event” first.

Asked if he would fire prison director Larry Norris, Beebe said “no,” then added, “that issue hadn’t come up.”

A prison lieutenant and sergeant involved in the inmate’s near-death have been fired. Four others received written warnings.