Former Macomb County Deputy Faces Sex Charge, Accused Of Fondling Female Inmate

MOUNT CLEMENS (WWJ) - A now former Macomb County Sheriff's corrections deputy has been charged with criminal sexual conduct after he allegedly molested a female inmate.

Steven Robert Vaneenoo, 43, is accused of reaching through the bars and fondling the jailed woman's breasts while doing a security check last December.

He turned himself in on an outstanding warrant on Tuesday.

Macomb Sheriff's command officers were investigating an incident between two female inmates when one of the inmates confided in detectives that on a previous occasion she had been allegedly inappropriately touched by Vaneenoo.

He resigned his position when the allegations came to light.

During what officials say was "an exhaustive investigation" detectives also found that Vaneenoo had set up an account which allowed certain female inmates to call him on his personal cell phone. It also came to light, sheriff's officials say, that the incident "was a part of a pattern of favoritism and over-familiarity towards certain female inmates."

Vaneenoo was video-arraigned in the 41B District Court of Clinton Township on one count of criminal sexual conduct – fourth degree, which is a two-year high court misdemeanor.

A personal bond was set at $5,000.

"As soon as we became aware of the allegations, we began an immediate and thorough investigation into Mr. Vaneenoo's conduct while working in the jail," said Sheriff Anthony Wickersham, in a statement.

"With few exceptions, our employees come in and do a difficult job with little fan-fare and a high degree of trust. Vaneenoo's conduct is a departure from the high-standards that our employees operate under day-in and day-out. "

Vaneenoo, a Macomb Township resident, was employed at the sheriff's office for 19 years prior to the alleged incident on Dec. 18, 2015.

He's next court appearance is set for Monday, Aug. 10 at 1:30 p.m.