The Winnipeg Remand Centre has placed an employee facing allegations of sexual misconduct at work on unpaid leave.

Superintendent Ron Leslie said Wednesday the Remand Centre has launched an internal investigation into the case, which involves several serious allegations against the staff member, who was not identified.

"It does involve one of my aboriginal spiritual care providers … and the allegation is that this individual was bringing in contraband drugs and tobacco for sexual favours," said Leslie.

"The allegation is of a serious nature, in my opinion, that we felt it was warranted [to] put the person, the staff member, on a leave of absence without pay until we have this investigation complete."

Leslie said no criminal charges have been laid in the case, and he expects the internal review will be complete next week.