Former Noxubee County sheriff pleads guilty to lying to the FBI during investigation into nude photos of inmates

A former Noxubee County sheriff has pleaded guilty to making false statements to the FBI during an investigation into his relationship with an inmate. Terry Grassaree, 61, of Macon, entered the guilty plea Tuesday in U.S. District Court. According to court documents, in July 2020, Grassaree lied to FBI agents when questioned about requesting and receiving nude photos or videos from an inmate at the jail he oversaw as Noxubee County sheriff. “Grassaree used his position as sheriff to solicit and accept nude photos and videos from a female inmate in exchange for preferential treatment from the inmate,” prosecutors said in a news release. “Grassaree gave her benefits in prison that other inmates did not receive or did not receive as often, including permission to use a contraband cell phone, tobacco and other items. She was also named a trustee and given a job as a cook at the prison. Prosecutors said Grassaree used social media in 2019 to ask the inmate for a video. “That same day, Grassaree received several nude photos of the inmate through the social media platform and responded in a flirtatious and complimentary manner.” During the interview with the FBI, prosecutors said he lied about receiving the nude photos. Grassaree was indicted by a federal grand jury in October 2022 and faces up to five years in prison when he is sentenced on August 7.