A former South Carolina jail officer is now on the other side of the bars after authorities accused her of allegedly sneaking home-cooked meals to inmates at the detention center where she worked.
Matrese Grant, a former sergeant and shift supervisor at the W. Glenn Campbell Detention Center in Darlington County, South Carolina, was arrested after an investigation into allegations that she brought unauthorized food into the facility for inmates.
According to authorities, the situation reportedly came to light after another corrections officer noticed prohibited food items being brought into the jail.
Investigators allege that on September 7, Grant was caught giving inmates home-cooked meals. Authorities reportedly say she attempted to avoid detection by hiding the food underneath a blanket while inside the facility.
And things got even crazier from there.
Grant was reportedly suspended without pay on September 11 as the investigation continued. She was later terminated from her position.
Then, on September 17, authorities arrested Grant and booked her into the very same detention center where she had previously worked.
Talk about an awkward return to work.
This time, however, Grant wasn’t walking through the doors as a corrections officer. She was reportedly being processed as an inmate.
Authorities charged Grant with misconduct in office and furnishing contraband.
Officials have explained that unauthorized food can be considered contraband inside a detention facility because officers have to control what enters the jail. Authorities reportedly have concerns that prohibited items could potentially be concealed inside food or other materials brought into the facility.
However, authorities have not accused Grant of hiding weapons or other dangerous items inside the meals.
The case has raised questions about what allegedly happened behind the scenes and why Grant was willing to risk her job by bringing food to inmates.
For inmates, getting outside food can obviously be a major deal, especially when the food is something cooked at home. But correctional facilities have strict rules regarding what inmates can receive, who can bring items inside and how those items are inspected.
Authorities say Grant allegedly violated those rules.
Grant’s reported bond was set at $15,000 cash or surety.
As with any criminal case, the accusations against Grant are just that — allegations. She is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
The situation is already drawing attention because of the unusual twist: a former jail employee who allegedly brought food to inmates ultimately found herself being booked into the same facility where she once worked.
From wearing the uniform to being on the other side of the booking desk, this case took a serious turn.
StreetAddictz will continue following the story as more information becomes available.
Leave a Reply