Nude inmate picked up by police

Savannah, Ga. -- A Georgia inmate was taken back to jail after police found him walking nude near the detention center, officials said.

Bill Merit, 49, was taken back to Chatham County jail and charged with public indecency after police received reports of a naked man walking toward a busy corner, the Savannah (Ga.) Morning News reported.

"I observed Merit, naked, holding his private area. Merit was cooperative and stated he just left the jail, and the clothes they gave him he did not want, because he thought they were stolen," a police officer told the Morning News.

Reports said the man "appeared rational, except for being naked."

Merit was taken into police custody for criminal trespass and disorderly conduct two days before the nude-walking incident took place Monday, official documents show.

Copyright 2008 by United Press International.