Detention Officer Charged with Selling Drugs to Inmates

The Troup County Sheriff’s Office has announced the arrest of a former Detention Officer who was accused of selling drugs to inmates within the jail.

Steven Michael Crowder was arrested and charged with four counts of Violation of Oath by a Public Officer, four counts of Items Prohibited for Possession by Inmates, and one count of Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine.

According to the Troup County Sheriff’s Office, an investigation revealed that Crowder brought narcotics into the Troup County Jail on multiple occasions and was providing the drugs to more than one inmate in exchange for money.

The investigation began approximately one month ago when allegations were made that Crowder was potentially bringing narcotics into the Troup County Jail facility and being paid through a third party.

After the lengthy investigation, the Troup County Sheriff’s Office believes that Crowder was the only detention officer involved in the case. Deputies say that the inmates involved will also be face charges related to the incidents once the investigation is complete.

Crowder, age 23, has since been terminated from his position within the jail. He had been employed since January as a detention officer.

“Every person who joins our staff, is held to a higher standard and I personally tell each of them the consequences they will face should they make the choice to bring contraband in the jail or participate in criminal behavior,” said Sheriff James Woodruff in a press release.

This case is still under investigation.

No further information on the case has been released at this time.

If anyone has any information on this case, please contact Troup County Sheriff’s Investigators at 706-883-1616. Anonymous tips can also be provided to the Troup County Crime Stoppers at 706-812-1000.

UPDATE:

Three Troup County Jail inmates have been additionally charged in connection to the investigation involving Crowder.

Reginal Saffold, age 37, was charged with four counts of Items Prohibited for Possession by Inmates and a single count of Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine.

Jason Cofield, age 37, was charged with two counts of Items Prohibited for Possession by Inmates and a single count of Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine.

Ruby Jean Griffin, age 42, was charged with two counts of Items Prohibited for Possession by Inmates and a single count of Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine.

Tommy Murphy
Staff Writer