77-17-9. Separation or sequestration of jurors -- Oath of officer having custody.
(1) The court, at any time before the submission of the case to the jury, may permit the jury to separate or order that it be sequestered in charge of a proper officer.
(2) If the jury is sequestered, the officer: shall be sworn to keep the jurors together until the next meeting of the court, to prevent any person from speaking or communicating with them; may not communicate with the jurors on any subject connected with the trial; and shall return the jury to the court pursuant to its order.