Officials with the Winston County Sheriff's Department are taking more steps to address claims regarding unfair treatment at the jail.

Newly-elected sheriff, Jason Pugh, issued a written response to the NAACP's request for an investigation into alleged unfair practices involving jail employees.

The organization claims jailers found guilty of smuggling contraband into the jail have been treated differently, with black officers punished and white officers not.

Just four weeks into the new sheriff's term, department officials say they are not aware of what has happened in the past. They say an investigator is now being assigned to look into the claims.

"Sheriff's Pugh's policy and my policy is that anyone found guilty of criminal activity that goes on within the correctional facility, or with any of our employees, will be prosecuted," said Chief Deputy Neal Higgason. "It doesn't matter, black or white, we will prosecute any criminal activity that can be supported by evidence."

Records show that within the last four years, 70 disciplinary actions have been taken against officers at the jail.

Officials say the actions range from being late to work to smuggling in contraband to prisoners.

Chief investigator, Connie Hampton, has been assigned to review those cases.