ELKTON, MD — Three correctional officers at the Cecil County Detention Center have been charged with sex offenses and misconduct in office and were fired after female inmates accused them of engaging in sexual activity while on duty at the jail, officials said.

Leon Cecil Alexander Jr., 21, of Elkton, and Antoine Hill, 45, and Bruce Elwood Bradwell, 53, both of Newark, Del., were served with summonses on Friday and agreed to appear in Cecil County Circuit Court on July 11 for a preliminary hearing, according to the Sheriff's Office, which administers the detention center. They are charged with second-degree assaults, fourth-degree sex offenses and misconduct in office, the Cecil Whig reported.

An investigation showed that the alleged incidents occurred at the detention center while the officers were on duty, authorities said.

According to charging documents, Alexander allegedly began a relationship with a female inmate in April, exchanging letters with her. In May, Alexander allegedly had sex with the inmate in the laundry room of the detention center, where she was assigned to work.

Hill is alleged to have touched the same inmate in a sexual manner in April, according to the court documents.

Bradwell allegedly kissed, hugged and touched the same inmate and a second inmate in a sexual manner earlier this year.

Correctional officers are prohibited from sexual contact, even if it is consensual, with inmates, Chief Deputy Larry Meusel Jr. said.