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.