HERKIMER, N.Y. (WKTV) - He was hired to help keep criminals behind bars, but now he finds himself on the other side of the law.

A Herkimer County Corrections Officer is facing charges stemming from a domestic dispute. Corrections Officer Lester Reese III is in the Oneida County Jail after an incident on June 15 where police say he threatened to kill his wife.

He is being held on a charge of aggravated harassment, and police say this is not the first time the officer has been involved in a domestic incident with his wife.

According to Herkimer County Sheriff Chris Farber, Officer Reese has been on leave for the last month, but he did not specify why or whether or not that leave was paid or unpaid.

When asked why he was being housed in the Oneida County Jail versus Herkimer, where the incident occurred, the sheriff said that anytime a law-enforcement official or their family member is arrested, they house them in another county for their own personal safety.

"I believe our employees are very good people," Sheriff Farber said. "Good people in the community get involved in domestic violence. It's an unfortunate situation."

We asked Farber about the future of Officer Reese's position with the department. He said that determination will be made after the investigation is through.