Scott County corrections officer arrested for attempted tampering

SIKESTON, Mo. -- A Scott County corrections officer's alleged attempt to tamper with witnesses was discovered March 1 in the Scott County Jail.

Sarina R. Watkins, 29, of Sikeston, Mo., was arrested Monday and charged with two counts of attempting to tamper with a witness. She is out on a $10,000 bond.

Watkins admitted to police she authored letters using fraudulent names being sent to an attorney and the Scott County prosecuting attorney.

A release from the Scott County Sheriff's Department said that Watkins was attempting to get witnesses to change statements that they had made against a county inmate.

Check back at www.semissourian.com or in Wednesday's Southeast Missourian for more details.