Several cases of corruption, drug dealing, and horrible crimes happening inside South Carolina’s prisons have been made public.

This is a very scary development for the department of corrections. Shocking claims of sexual abuse of a child have come to light, revealing a troubling underside of criminal behavior by jail staff.

Sexual Assault on Children

In a recent press release, Attorney General Alan Wilson voiced deep worry over the widespread trade in illegal cellphones inside the state’s jails, citing links between it and a number of illegal activities, including drug dealing, financial crimes, and even child exploitation.

Three big investigations, called “Clean Sweep,” “Gatekeeper,” and “Block Party,” are currently going on. Each one has found damning proof of widespread corruption. At Lee Correctional Institution, inmate Jacob Lance is said to have used a stolen cellphone that was made available to him by prison staff to force his lover, Abbygale El-Dier, to record and send video of her supposedly sexually abusing her young daughter.

Because the case was so upsetting, Wilson pushed for harsh punishments and wanted Lance to get life in prison without the chance to get out. Also, Brian Keely and Lt. Brittany Welch, both employees of Lee Correctional Institution, were caught. Keely was found with illegal cellphones, drugs, and materials showing child sexual abuse. Welch is accused of helping to smuggle illegal goods and putting jail security at risk.

At the same time, three employees at McCormick Correctional Institution were charged with taking part in the illegal drug trade. They joined five other employees who were already facing charges for crimes ranging from having sexual relationships with prisoners to moving money.

“Block Party” also found that two correctional officers at Broad River Correctional Institution were involved in bringing drugs and other illegal items into the jail. Methamphetamine, cocaine, weed, and cellphones were found in the haul, which is a major threat to the safety and security of the jail system.

An American musician who has lived in Russia for more than a decade has been arrested on suspicion of drug trafficking. (Photo: Shutterstock)

Director Bryan Stirling talked about how dangerous illegal cellphones are by giving examples of inmates who set up crime rings and even did violent acts. This showed how important it is to address this widespread problem right away.

Authorities in South Carolina have stepped up their efforts to fix the long-term problems that have made the state’s prisons dirty. This comes after the shocking revelation of widespread corruption, drug trafficking, and child abuse in the state’s jail system.