Jailer charged with assault on inmate

A Gregg County jailer has been accused of assaulting an inmate.

Paul Lynn Smith, 36, has been charged with Official Oppression. Gregg County Judge Alfonso Charles arraigned Smith and set his bond at $2,500. Smith has already posted that amount.

Decorian Maurice Allen, 22, of Longview was allegedly assaulted by Smith on Sunday night, March 29th.

In the official docket complaint Allen states that while being moved from one part of the jail to another Smith was “striking him in the face with a closed fist.” According to court documents, on Monday, March 30th, Lt. Mike Claxton interviewed Allen about the encounter and saw that Allen had “visible signs of swelling over his right eye.” According to the arrest affidavit some inmates witnessed the event.

As of today, April 1st, authorities say Smith no longer works for the Gregg County sheriff’s department.

source: http://www.kltv.com/global/story.asp?s=10111049