Corrections officer being charged with tampering

BENTON - A Scott County corrections officer is charged with attempting to tamper with a witness.

Sarina Watkins, 29, of Sikeston was arrested on two counts of attempting to tamper with a witness. Watkins was charged after investigation revealed she was attempting to get witnesses to change statements previously made against a county inmate.

Sheriff Rick Walter stated he is very upset with Watkin's conduct. "The job of a corrections officer requires honesty and integrity, which are qualifications Watkins apparently does not possess," said Walter in a news release.

Watkins was released on $10,000 bond.