A Richmond County maintenance worker facing peeping Tom charges admitted to drilling two holes in the ceiling of a restroom at the Richmond County Law Enforcement Center, authorities said Wednesday.

Ricky Leon Merriweather, 47, of the 2800 block of Bradford Court, Hephzibah, is accused of drilling the holes in the second-floor restroom adjacent to a jury room in the building's state court wing. Although not for public access, the restroom is available to both sexes.

"He admitted doing this and was seen carrying a ladder and caulking" when deputies saw him leaving an empty room adjacent to the restroom, sheriff's Investigator Blaine Dresser said.

Mr. Merriweather was charged with felony peeping Tom and booked into jail Tuesday. Investigator Dresser said Mr. Merriweather was under the influence of alcohol when arrested while on the job.

When confronted about holes in the ceiling, Mr. Merriweather claimed he was "repairing leaks," Investigator Dresser said.

On Wednesday night, county administrator Fred Russell said Mr. Merriweather would be placed on administrative leave while his case is reviewed. Mr. Merriweather, a maintenance worker for more than 20 years, is currently out of jail on bond.