8 Arrested After Handcuff Key, Blank Checks Thrown Over Jail Fence

Another story from Lee County Correctional - seems like these people aren't too smart - or they don't read/watch the news! There were 8 people arrested last month for the same thing at the same prison, and several in the months before that...

Handcuff key, blank checks among items thrown over jail fence - WIS News 10 - Columbia, South Carolina |

LEE COUNTY, SC (WIS) - Deputies arrested 8 people who tried to sneak a handcuff key, liquor in soda bottles, tobacco products, pre-paid cell phones, and blank checks to prisoners at the Lee County Correctional Institution, Sheriff Daniel Simon said.

Lee County deputies on Tuesday intercepted 2 different crews who were in process throwing these items across the fence at the jail on Wisacky Hwy. near Bishopville, Simon said.

The first 5 suspects, Jimmy Williams, 25, Jerrick Miller, 20, Devonta McCoy, 19, Moro Singletary, 31, and Antonio Cooper, 32, were arrested around 3:45 p.m. Deputies then received a second call about 45 minutes later that 3 more suspects were trying to sneak contraband into the institution.

This is not the first time someone has been arrested for trying to get contraband over the walls of the correctional institute. In November, at least 8 people in 2 different incidents were arrested and in August, one man was arrested on the same charges.

The most recent arrest, however, is different from the rest. Simon said this is the first time that investigators have seen anyone trying to get a handcuff key into the correctional institution. "Most of the items have clear value inside the prison's walls," said Simon, "but I am puzzled why inmates would want blank checks."

All of the suspects were dressed in dark or camouflage clothing and some were carrying backpacks, the sheriff said. After they made the arrests, deputies found about $4,000 worth of contraband inside the jail fence.

Later in the day, deputies stopped a vehicle driven by 40-year-old Chicarra Dicks. Inside the vehicle, were Jawan Artis, 20, and Willie Byrd, 26. All 3 were arrested.

"This is a clear indication that people will do anything for the love of money," said Simon. "All the suspects that were arrested stated that they were suppose have made $200-$500 if they were successful in getting these contraband across the fence."

All 8 suspects were charged with Possession of Contraband on State Prison Property and transported to the Sumter-Lee Detention Center.