Columbia County jailer arrested in alleged contraband case
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - A Columbia County deputy jailer has been arrested and terminated after the sheriff’s office says he allowed inmates to use a cell phone.
On Wednesday, the sheriff’s office learned Riley Peters, 21, was allegedly allowing inmates to use a cell phone he brought into the E Pod housing area.
According to the agency, the inmate said he had heard about possible Cash App payments in exchange for phone use.
When Peters arrived for work, investigators initiated a lockdown of the pod and conducted a search, the agency says.
Officials say Peters was suspended without pay and sent home.
On Thursday, he was charged with violation of oath of office and providing a telecommunication device to an inmate. According to inmate bookings, his bond is set at $20,000.
He has been employed as a deputy jailer since Jan. 2.
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