A former Monroe County Jail deputy accused of having sex with female inmates, was in court for a brief appearance Monday.

Robert Wilson, 41, is facing more than 20 charges including rape, sexual abuse and official misconduct. The Monroe County Sheriff's Department said Wilson was able to take the inmates to insecure areas within the Monroe Correctional Facility where the alleged crimes happened from January of 2010 to this summer.

Wilson worked for the department for 17 years. He resigned Sept. 17.

The Sheriff's Department is also conducting its own internal investigation into the case.

Wilson is due back in court later this month.