Taylor County, FL (WTXL) -- Taylor County deputies arrested four correctional officers Jan. 5th. They're accused of physical abuse against inmates. ABC 27's Marco Villarreal is following that story

After receiving a tip this weekend we headed to right outside of Perry, Florida where the Taylor County Correctional Institution is located. That's where the Department of Corrections says four men physically abused two inmates.

Taylor County deputies arrested four men charged with misdemeanor battery charges. At 7:30 am, Rionodo Brown, Gary Griffin, Jerome Twiggs, and Donald Fittje turned themselves in after warrants were served.

The Florida Department of Corrections says back on September 22nd of 2008, the four men allegedly physically abused 2 inmates. The DOC says the inmates did receive medical treatment after the abuse.

The state attorney's office in Perry is currently still investigating the case. As soon as the arrest took place, Taylor County sheriff's deputies said their main priority was the men's safety.

The DOC has since terminated the correctional officers and they will be decertified. The men are expected to appear in front of a Taylor County judge later this month, but authorities remind us the former correctional officers have only been charged, not convicted.

The Department of Corrections would not speak with us on camera because of the ongoing investigation.

But do say that the department does not tolerate violence and the actions of these officers are intolerable.

"Correctional officers have an awesome responsibility for inmate care and custody. The majority work hard and honestly to fulfill that responsibility. As with any profession, we experience occasions when those we entrust abuse their authority. Those abuses contradict everything the department and our correctional officer's stand for," said Secretary Walt McNeil.

We have been told the investigation could last up to one more week. We'll have more details on this story as they come forth.