Former Spartanburg Jail Employee Accused of Smuggling Contraband
Second Detention Center Staff Arrested in a Week
For the second time in a week, a staff member at the Spartanburg County Detention Center has been apprehended on counts of smuggling contraband into the jail. The Spartanburg County Sheriff made these remarks during a news conference and hinted at the possible further arrests.
Details of the Incident
Ivey Leanne Martin, a resident of Spartanburg and a medical technician at the detention center, was charged with three counts of delivering or attempting to provide contraband to detainees between January 14 and May 30. Martin also confessed to being involved in a relationship with one of the individuals being held at the facility. The previous week, another detention officer at the jail, named Joey Ghant, was charged with misconduct for smuggling contraband into the jail.
On-going Investigation
At the end of May, hints regarding possible additional arrests were given. Following Ghant’s charges, Martin’s warrants were signed by a Spartanburg County judge the next day. The arrest of Ghant was the outcome of an internal investigation led by the newly established Office of Professional Standards that started a few weeks ago. Two other staff members are currently being investigated, while another was cleared from any alleged wrongdoings last week.
Feedback from the Sheriff
“We’re gonna keep checking,” said the County Sheriff, expressing his commitment to maintain the integrity of the system and ensure the complete investigation of the matter. He further added his disappointment at the arrests within his own department.
The Implication of the Arrests
Both Martin and Ghant’s arrests were the result of confidential tips from inmates in the detention center, as well as details provided to the State Law Enforcement Division. The implication of these internal scandals is considerable, as it occurs shortly before the Sheriff, a long-serving incumbent, faces re-election. The Sheriff is battling for the Republican primary against one of his former colleagues, Nick Duncan.
