Updated: 10/13/2009 12:34:25 PM
A former kitchen supervisor at the Sevier County jail has pleaded guilty to a one count in the criminal case accusing him of sex with prisoners.
Paul Lintner pleaded guilty to one count of Sexual Contact with an Inmate, a Class E felony. He was originally charged with multiple counts in the 6-count indictment, which accused him of sexual contact with trustees he selected to work in the jail's kitchen.
The other counts were dismissed.
The charge to which Lintner pleaded is not considered a rape charge.
Lintner's sentence will be announced at a hearing on December 8. He could face anything from probation to 1-2 years behind bars.
A release from District Attorney General Jimmy Dunn's office indicates prosecutors will seek jail time for Lintner. The DAG's office also indicated it is unlikely Lintner would have to register as a sex offender.
Two lawsuits have accused Lintner of raping the inmates. One named Lintner, Sevier County Sheriff Ron Seals, and other Sevier County officials as defendants.
Lintner resigned when the first of those lawsuits was filed. Criminal charges were later brought against him.
The DAG's release noted that the victim was consulted regarding the plea and fully supported the prosecution's actions in the case.
