Sheriff: No special treatment for Rogers

By DUANE SHERRILL / Staff Reporter for the Southern Standard

Pamela Rogers, shown leaving the courthouse in handcuffs, has been at Warren County Jail since Thursday morning. She is being kept in a cell by herself initially. (James Clark photo)

In jail for the first time in her life, former Centertown teacher turned convicted sex offender Pamela Rogers can expect no special treatment despite the fame generated by her unusual case, according to Sheriff Jackie Matheny.

“She will be treated just like any other inmate,” Matheny said of the 28-year-old former beauty queen who is sentenced to serve 270 days in his custody. “Right now she is being held in a cell by herself since we didn’t think it would be a good idea to put her in with the general population.”

Matheny said given the additional cells at the new jail, administrators can now separate inmates whereas before most would be heaped into large bullpen or dormitory settings.

“The most we have in a cell right now is six,” Matheny said of the women’s wing where Rogers is being held. “We’ll see how it goes as to whether she is kept in a single cell.”

While saying Rogers will be treated no differently, Matheny said he was aware after one day that she still draws interest while behind bars. Matheny said calls for information about Rogers by various media outlets have been non-stop since she was taken into custody.

“They’re wanting this and that, and I’ll just tell you, it’s kind of getting old after just a day,” Matheny said, noting he is trying to be helpful with requests when possible.

As for the amenities, there are few, as each inmate is allowed a Bible and one paperback book. The limiting of books is to prevent them from becoming weapons when hurled about en masse in a bag or pillow, or to prevent a fire hazard.

There is presently no TV at the jail. Inmates are generally locked down for 22 to 23 hours a day, and allowed access to telephones in the dayroom and exercise area for one to two hours a day. Inmates are allowed no visitors as construction continues on the jail. Visiting privileges will likely be restored in the coming months, allowing one family visit per week.

“Oh, it’s jail all right and that’s the way it’s supposed to be,” Matheny said. “They aren’t sent here to have a party. They’re sent here to serve their time.”

Food is the upside as inmates are given two hot meals and one sandwich meal per day and can purchase extra snacks from the jail commissary.

“We don’t have many people losing weight out here,” Matheny said of the food prepared on site. “As a matter of fact, it’s quite the opposite.”

While given 270 days of her eight-year sentence to serve, along with a long list of special conditions, Rogers is expected to serve only 198 days of the term given the eight good days she can compile each month.