A former Freeborn County detention center deputy who allegedly propositioned an inmate in February was charged with a gross misdemeanor last month in Freeborn County District Court.

Chad Stephen Rochleau, 44, of Albert Lea is charged with misconduct by a public officer.

Court documents state Rochleau was charged after the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office was asked to assist with a conflict investigation Feb. 13 in Freeborn County involving a Freeborn County detention deputy and a female inmate in the Freeborn County jail.

An investigation reportedly revealed that while on duty Feb. 5, Rochleau propositioned a known adult female inmate to remove her clothing in front of her cell in exchange for her being allowed to keep reading materials in her 

cell that she was not allowed to have.

Court documents state in an interview with an investigator, the inmate said that while she was in segregation, Rochleau insinuated that she should change in her cell in front of the camera.

Video surveillance reportedly shows the inmate hand the books to Rochleau, but he slid them back in her hands.

Rochleau has since been terminated from his position. His first court appearance is slated for Thursday.

In a statement Monday, Freeborn County Sheriff Kurt Freitag said: “We always strive to provide the safest atmosphere at a high level of professionalism, and we’ll take necessary action to achieve those goals.”

Misconduct by a public officer carries a maximum sentence of one year imprisonment and a $3,000 fine.