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Cochise County jail chaplain arrested, accused of sex crimes

Doug Packer AZ jail Chaplain accused of sexual abuse MUG.jpg
Posted at 2:33 PM, Jan 05, 2019
and last updated 2019-01-05 16:33:03-05

BISBEE, Ariz. - The Cochise County Sheriff's Office says its jail chaplain has been arrested and accused of sex crimes involving an inmate at the county jail in Bisbee.

The office says 63-year-old Doug Packer was arrested Saturday following an investigation launched Friday after an inmate reported an "inappropriate incident" involving Packer.

According to the office, Packer was booked into jail on suspicion of sexual abuse, sexual assault, and unlawful sexual conduct in a correctional facility after investigators searched his home.

Online court records don't list a defense attorney for Packer who could comment on the allegations.

Sheriff Mark Dannels said Packer "violated his sacred oath of office and took advantage" who those in need.

The sheriff's website says Packer held a full-time position to provide "for the religious needs of the inmates."