AMITE, La. (WGNO) -- A former Tangipahoa Parish maintenance employee was arrested on Friday due to alleged actions he took while assigned at the Tangipahoa Parish Jail.

According to the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office, 56-year-old Donald Hammons was assigned at the parish jail from 2010 until the sheriff's office administration changed in July.

After the transition to new leadership took place, it was discovered that, in 2021, Hammons had allegedly taken a trustee inmate from the jail to the inmate's home in order to buy weapons.

After learning of the information, Hammons was brought in for questioning and reportedly admitted to the accusation. He then willingly surrendered the weapons involved with the investigation and was fired from his job with the parish.

"Security has been our top challenge at the jail, and therefore, our top priority," said Sheriff Gerald Sticker. "In those efforts to improve security, we have not only made personnel changes but increased training and certifications as well as instituted changes in general access by parish employees. Our citizens should be encouraged that our leadership team identified this crime and that our partnership with parish government resulted in quick action to address this specific situation. Together we will continue to work to make improvements toward safety and security at the jail."