The Associated Press
TUSCUMBIA, Ala. — A Colbert County correctional officer has been accused of taking money from an inmate to buy a cell phone for the prisoner in violation of the jail’s rules.
Sheriff Ronnie May said 21-year-old Tony Wayne Chaney of Sheffield was arrested Wednesday evening as he was leaving the jail after his shift ended. He was charged with promoting prison contraband.
May said officers had been finding more contraband than normal in the jail, including several cell phones.
He said they also heard rumors about the purchase of marijuana. May said officers found a bag of marijuana in Chaney’s possession and more inside his car at the time of his arrest.
Chaney, held on $5,000 bond, was fired because of his arrest. May didn’t know if he had a lawyer Friday.