Ex-deputy pleads not guilty to sex assault of inmate

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) – A former Clay County sheriff’s deputy has pleaded not guilty to sexually assaulting a jail inmate after he was indicted on the charge earlier in the week.

Darreon Black, of Kansas City, entered the plea Thursday after the grand jury charged him Tuesday with sexual conduct with an inmate.

The 29-year-old Black was on a probationary period as a deputy when he was placed on leave in April after the inmate reported being sexually assaulted. Black was fired in May following a criminal investigation.

lack is scheduled to appear in court on the charge on Jan. 6.