Former Smith County Jailer Gets Probation

TYLER — A former Smith County jailer was convicted Thursday of having consensual sex with an inmate. Lakerry Devonerich Bowie, 28, was charged with of violating the civil rights of a person in custody. The jury sentenced him to two years probation.

Investigators first learned of the accusations involving Bowie and the inmate in September of last year. When authorities questioned him about the alleged incident, Bowie allegedly did not cooperate and was fired. He was employed by Smith County for two years. However, the inmate has confessed to consensual sex, but there is no such thing as consensual sex between law enforcement and an inmate, according to Sheriff J.B. Smith. The Texas Rangers investigated the incident.