Former Anderson County corrections officer arrested following misconduct investigation

CLINTON, Tenn. (WATE) — A former Anderson County corrections officer was arrested following an investigation into misconduct by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation .

David Antonio Berruquin, 28, was arrested and charged with the introduction of contraband into a penal facility and sexual exploitation of a minor on April 12. 7th Judicial District Attorney General Dave Clark shared that additional charges are expected to be filed in the coming weeks as the investigation continues.

According to a release from the DA’s office, a female prisoner complained to another Anderson County Sheriff’s Office employee that Berruquin had sexually assaulted her in her jail cell. Her complaint was given to Anderson County Sheriff Russell Barker who contacted the DA. They asked the TBI to look into the allegations and Berruquin was placed on administrative leave without pay. He has since been terminated.

As a result of the investigation, agents reportedly found that Berruquin, while serving as a corrections officer for the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office, had contraband material in the detention facility. The TBI added that child sex abuse material was also found in his possession.

The TBI and Clinton Police Officers took Berruquin into custody in the early morning hours of April 13. He was taken to the Anderson County Detention Facility where he was placed in a segregated cell for his safety according to the DA’s office. He bonded out of jail later that day.

“While I am extremely disappointed that a former Corrections Officer has been charged with a crime, I am very grateful to the employees at the Detention Facility who took an inmate’s complaint seriously. They worked quickly while performing a preliminary investigation and demonstrating our Department’s commitment to the highest standards. Anderson County has one of only two Tier II certified jails in Tennessee and their professional standards were on display in dealing with an internal problem,” said Barker.

“It is a somber day when we have to arrest one of our own, but it also demonstrates the conviction here that nobody is above the law and that the law enforcement community has a tradition of policing the behavior of officers in Anderson County as part of our oath and commitment to justice,” remarked Clark. “We should acknowledge and be grateful for the quick and expert work and cooperation that has been displayed in this case. Judges, prosecutors, Corrections Officers and most particularly law enforcement officers from multiple agencies demonstrated great dedication and teamwork in this case. I am grateful to them all.”

Berruquin’s arraignment is scheduled for April 23, 2024, in General Sessions Court.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WATE 6 On Your Side.