James Troy Smith Jr., a correctional case manager responsible for inmate releases at Odom Correctional Institution, resigned his position this morning.  He was suspended Monday as the Division of Prisons investigates the circumstances surrounding the release of inmate Antwaan Clanton.

The Division’s specific procedures for inmate releases were violated during Clanton’s release.

Clanton was released July 14 from Odom Correctional Institution at the completion of his sentence but should have been turned over to the custody of the Halifax County Jail, since he has multiple pending charges for breaking and entering and is awaiting trial as a habitual felon.

Clanton was charged Monday by the Roanoke Rapids Police Department with a rape that occurred Friday afternoon and charged by the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office with breaking into a home in Weldon that same day.  Officers arrested Clanton Friday night and found him in possession of items stolen from the home in Weldon.