Recently terminated Columbus County Detention sergeant arrested
WHITEVILLE, NC (WWAY) — The Columbus County Sheriff’s Office says a former sergeant has been arrested following an internal investigation.
The Sheriff’s Office started the investigation after obtaining evidence allegedly showing a detention officer bringing contraband into the Columbus County Detention Center.
The Sheriff’s Office claims former Detention Sergeant Sharon Marie Farmer, 51, smuggled cell phones, portable battery power banks, tobacco, and other contraband inside the detention center to give to a male inmate.
The Sheriff’s Office says the inmate and Farmer developed a personal relationship, mutually calling one another on multiple occasions, using the contraband cell phones.
Sharon Farmer began her employment with Columbus County Sheriff’s Office in March 2013. She held the position of Classification Officer with the rank of Sergeant. Her employment with Columbus County Sheriff’s Office was terminated on May 13, 2024.
The next day, Farmer was arrested at Columbus County Sheriff’s Office. She was charged with three felony counts of Providing a Phone/Electronic Device to an Inmate and one misdemeanor charge of Providing Tobacco/Vape Products to an Inmate. She received a $100,000.00 secured bond.
“I hold all of our staff to a high standard of conduct and professionalism, and I will not tolerate any behavior that goes against the oath they took to uphold the law,” says Sheriff Bill Rogers. “We are committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for both our staff and inmates, which is why we are proactively implementing upgrades to our facility through a legislative grant, including a full-body scanner and an enhanced surveillance system. These measures will bolster our ability to prevent and detect illicit activities within the detention center, further ensuring the safety and well-being of everyone under our care.”
