A high-ranking Louisiana prison official was arrested after giving birth to twins allegedly fathered by a convicted murderer who is behind bars.

Francis Smith, 38, turned herself in on Thursday to authorities in Iberville Parish, Louisiana following a tip that she had an illicit relationship with an inmate last year. 

Smith gave birth to twins in the fall of 2025, and resigned from her role as a major at the Elayn Hunt Correctional Center that September, the Department of Corrections said. 

Soon after her resignation, local Louisiana news outlet WBRZ reported that it received an anonymous tip that the father of Smith's twins was an inmate at her prison. 

The sheriff's office said they were investigating the complaint, but said they had not verified who the legitimate father was. 

Authorities said they are awaiting results of a DNA test. 

Smith was reportedly given the choice to resign or be fired at the time, while the prison inmate was transferred to the notorious Louisiana State Penitentiary, better known as Angola. 

Reports say the inmate, who has not been identified, was serving a life sentence for murder. 

Smith was booked into custody on Thursday and was charged with malfeasance in office for her alleged sexual conduct with the convicted killer. 

The Daily Mail has contacted the Iberville Parish Sheriff's Office and the Louisiana Department of Corrections for comment.