Darlington County Jail Officer Fired, Arrested for Allegedly Bringing Food to Prisoners

Authorities in South Carolina have taken action against a corrections officer, Matrese Grant, who was dismissed from her role and subsequently apprehended following accusations of illicitly introducing homemade meals into the correctional facility. Grant, who held the rank of sergeant and served as a shift supervisor at the W. Glenn Campbell Detention Center in Darlington County, is alleged to have hidden the food items under a blanket to circumvent surveillance cameras. She then reportedly placed them in a designated spot for inmates to access. These allegations surfaced after Grant had been employed at the detention centre for approximately four months.

The investigation began when a fellow officer observed suspicious items being brought into the facility earlier in September and promptly alerted the Darlington County Sheriff’s Office. Investigators claim that on September 7, Grant carried home-cooked meals into the detention centre, actively trying to keep them hidden from the watchful eyes of security cameras. The suspicious activity was formally reported on September 9. Following this, Grant was placed on suspension without pay on September 11, pending an official inquiry. Her dismissal from service and arrest ultimately occurred on September 17.

After her arrest, Grant faced charges of misconduct in office and supplying contraband to inmates. She was processed and detained at the very detention centre where she had been employed. Subsequently, a bond of $15,000, payable either in cash or surety, was set for her release, covering both charges.

The sheriff’s office clarified that any food brought into the detention centre without proper authorisation is classified as contraband. This classification stems from the risk that prohibited or dangerous items could be hidden within such food. It is important to note that law enforcement officials have not accused Grant of concealing weapons or any other hazardous materials within the meals. Her charges are specifically linked to the alleged unauthorised entry of food into the facility.

In a statement, the sheriff’s office reiterated Sheriff Michael August’s unwavering commitment to a zero-tolerance policy against contraband entering the facility. “Sheriff Michael August stands firm on his zero tolerance policy for contraband entering this facility,” the statement read, adding, “There are strict rules in place for contraband, including food items, due to the possibility of weapons or other harmful materials being hidden within food items.” These regulations, officials stressed, are applicable to both staff and incarcerated individuals. The sheriff’s office further warned, “If any inmate, employee, or officer is discovered bringing contraband into this facility, they will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

This incident is not isolated, as the detention centre has faced multiple other alleged contraband-related issues in recent years. For instance, in June 2025, a former food services employee was reportedly arrested on two charges concerning the introduction of banned items. Similarly, a former corrections officer was apprehended in March 2026, reportedly caught on camera facilitating contraband entry. A comprehensive search conducted across the facility in January 2025 led to the issuance of 55 warrants for inmates, and a separate inquiry in August 2026 resulted in an additional arrest and charges filed against two other prisoners.

It is important to note that Matrese Grant currently stands accused of these offences, and the allegations against her are yet to be substantiated in a court of law.