May 21, 2013
MILTON, Fla. (AP) -- More abuse has been alleged at a now-closed Florida Panhandle juvenile prison.
Authorities tell the Pensacola News-Journal that Ernest Lerenza Parker of Milton surrendered Monday at the Santa Rosa County jail.
Parker had been a mental health technician at the Milton Girls Juvenile Residential Facility. He faces numerous charges, including battery and sexual assault. He's being held on more than $1 million bond. Jail records don't show whether he has an attorney.
A sheriff's report says six girls told investigators that they had been afraid to report Parker for abuse.
The allegations against Parker stemmed from a Florida Department of Children and Families investigation that began after a guard at the same facility was caught on video battering a teenage inmate.
The state closed the facility in December.
