Two Acquitted In Juvenile Jail Sex Case

HOUMA, La. (AP) — Two former guards for the Terrebonne Juvenile Detention Center have been acquitted on molestation charges stemming from accusations that they had sex with female inmates. Thursday's not-guilty verdicts for 50-year-old Floyd Howard and 25-year-old Darwin Brown followed a two day trial. The two were among seven guards charged with offering inmates treats, such as snacks and phone call privileges, in exchange for sex. The six-member jury returned a unanimous verdict of not guilty after deliberating 25 minutes. Two other guards are expected to plead guilty in the case, according to The Courier of Houma. Three others await trial. A Justice Department report, released late last month, says investigators found credible reports of sexual and physical misconduct by jail staff.