LEE COUNTY, S.C. (WACH) – A former employee of the South Carolina Department of Corrections (SCDC) has been terminated and charged after allegedly attempting to smuggle custom dental jewelry, known as grillz, into Lee Correctional Institution.
Sharon E. Smith, 36, was caught with contraband valued at $2,500, which authorities say she intended to deliver to an inmate.
According to the SCDC Inspector General, the illegal items were discovered inside Smith’s vehicle, which was parked on prison grounds. The investigation revealed that Smith conspired to bring the grillz into the facility, violating state laws against contraband in correctional institutions.
Supporting evidence includes the recovered dental jewelry and a written confession provided by Smith.
The South Carolina Department of Corrections confirmed that Smith has been fired following the incident.
