TIFS Investigates: Former Benton County Detention Center jailer alleges systematic misconduct at facility during 12-year career

In the wake of the recent death of Allegra Tiara Warnick earlier this year while in the custody of the Benton County Detention Center, this is the third in an ongoing series of stories about conditions and treatment of inmates at the facility.

The recent death of Allegra Tiara Warnick in the Benton County Detention Center has brought renewed focus to allegations of corruption, sexual misconduct, and systemic failures at the facility.

Robin Heath, a former lieutenant with over 12 years at the Sheriff’s Office until her termination in 2019, has detailed these issues in a 2020 lawsuit and a recent social media post, raising concerns about the treatment of staff and inmates.

Heath served as administrative jail lieutenant in detention center operations, where she claims she observed and reported ongoing problems--mistreatment of inmates, inadequate medical services, and racial and sexual discrimination--only to be consistently ignored by jail administration, including Sheriff Shawn Holloway.

She also alleges that deputies routinely turned off body cameras during interactions with inmates and employed other methods to block information from being obtained through Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests, hindering transparency.

During her tenure, Heath sought a promotion but was told by Lt. Wyatt Banta that the position was “not for a girl,” a comment she cites as evidence of gender discrimination.

Her career took a significant turn in December 2018 when she alleges she was sexually harassed and assaulted by a fellow deputy at a Sheriff’s Office Christmas party. After reporting it in 2019, she was placed on administrative leave on September 4 and fired on September 9.

Heath filed a lawsuit in November 2020 against Benton County, the Sheriff’s Office, and Sheriff Holloway, alleging wrongful termination, retaliation, and a hostile work environment.

The lawsuit progressed slowly. In June 2023, Special Judge Mike Fitzhugh ruled that Sheriff Holloway and the Sheriff’s Office had immunity, dismissing them as defendants, leaving Benton County as the sole defendant. The case was later dismissed in favor of Benton County.

In recent social media post, Heath named individuals and incidents tied to alleged misconduct:

-Randall McElroy: Fired on July 15, 2019, after an investigation into sexual assault and harassment claims, including Heath’s assault. She says he admitted to the act and cried, but no charges were filed. Heath claims Sheriff Holloway told the Quorum Court that victims didn’t want to pursue charges, leaving her to approach the prosecuting attorney alone—an option she found unviable without support. McElroy later took a job with an Oklahoma agency, allegedly backed by former colleagues.

-Joe Adams: Now with a major retailer, Adams allegedly conducted polygraphs and voice stress tests, sharing HIPAA-protected medical information with staff. Heath claims he mishandled an investigation into a confirmed deputy-inmate sexual relationship, resulting in no charges and a quick cover-up.

=Jeremy Guyll: Promoted to major over administration and the jail in 2016, per Arkansas Online (May 4, 2016), Guyll allegedly arrived at work smelling of alcohol, drove a county-issued vehicle in that state, and used it for personal vacations--behavior Heath says was excused due to a brain tumor diagnosis.

Heath also described two deputies beating a mentally impaired man in custody, requiring hospital attention. She claims Adams witnessed the attack, stating he “lost count of the blows after 10,” while Guyll and McElroy supported retaining the deputies.

Despite legal counsel refusing to defend the county in a potential lawsuit, the deputies were allowed to resign, avoiding termination and a formal investigation accessible via FOIA.

These allegations align with Heath’s broader claims of systemic issues. She says she faced retaliation for reporting her assault and for years of attempting to address inmate mistreatment and discrimination, only to be shut down.

After her firing, Heath claims harassment forced her to move several states away, where she remains in therapy.

Sheriff Holloway has previously denied fostering a discriminatory environment.

Heath’s claims, combined with Warnick’s death--currently under investigation--suggest potential connections between staff misconduct and inmate outcomes. The alleged efforts to evade FOIA requests further complicate transparency at the facility, warranting deeper investigation as her lawsuit against Benton County remains pending.

This is an ongoing investigative series and will be updated as it develops.