The longtime administrator of a Mississippi county detention center is facing misdemeanor charges after being arrested over the weekend on suspicion of driving under the influence. The Tunica County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the employee was taken into custody by the Mississippi Highway Patrol.
According to Action News 5, the sheriff’s office stated that Reginald Boykin was arrested shortly after 10:45 p.m. Saturday on Old U.S. Highway 61 near Hollywood Casino in Tunica County. He was charged with first-offense driving under the influence and careless driving.
Boykin was booked into the Tunica County jail just before 11:10 p.m. before being released on his own recognizance less than an hour later. Authorities said he was also issued a $1,500 bond.
The Tunica County Sheriff’s Office noted that Boykin is a civilian employee rather than a sworn deputy. He currently serves as the jail administrator, overseeing daily operations at the county’s detention center.
Boykin Has Led the County Jail for More Than Two Decades
Image Credit: Tunica County Sheriff’s Office
According to the Tunica County Sheriff’s Office, Boykin began working for the agency in 2004 as assistant warden before being promoted to warden the following year. He has remained in that leadership role ever since.
As the detention center’s administrator, Boykin oversees inmate classification, inmate healthcare services, and supervises correctional staff and administrative personnel. The sheriff’s office says he has more than 30 years of experience working in corrections, including time with the Shelby County Training Center in Memphis before joining the Tunica County Sheriff’s Office.
Boykin has also completed multiple corrections and supervisory training programs throughout his career, including certification through the Mississippi Board on Jail Officer Standards and Training. As of Monday, the Tunica County Sheriff’s Office had not announced whether any administrative action had been taken following his arrest.
Boykin Faces Two Misdemeanor Charges
Boykin has been charged with DUI (first offense) and careless driving, both misdemeanor offenses under Mississippi law. His case is scheduled to be heard in Tunica County court on Sept. 17, according to News Channel 3.
At this stage, the charges remain allegations, and Boykin is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
Authorities have not released additional details about the traffic stop or what led the Mississippi Highway Patrol to arrest him.