Buncombe County -- May 29. 2026: Buncombe County Sheriff's Office Press Release: Detectives with the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office arrested and charged a former Department of Adult Correction Officer with Felony Sexual Act by Government/Private Institution Employee.
BCSO Detectives began investigating last month and learned 66-year-old James Allen Mathes, of McDowell County, was involved in a relationship with a detainee at Western Correctional Center for Women in Swannanoa.
The initial complaint was made as a Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) complaint to administrators at the prison and was later referred for criminal prosecution by the Warden.
Mathes is being held in the Buncombe County Detention Facility on no bond.
District 1 Captain Dustan Auldredge: “The Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) is a federal law enacted in 2003 to prevent, detect, and respond to sexual abuse and harassment in correctional facilities. It enforces a “zero tolerance” standard across adult and juvenile systems, mandating confidential reporting mechanisms, thorough investigations, and protection from retaliation. We appreciate the Department of Adult Correction’s collaboration with us on this case.”
Adult Correction Secretary Leslie Dismukes: “There is zero tolerance in our agency for staff who behave inappropriately with offenders in our custody. We are grateful to the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office for their cooperation in this investigation.”