ROWAN COUNTY, N.C. – Detectives have charged two detention officers with bringing in contraband into the Rowan County Jail and giving it to an inmate, according to a news release.
The release states that an internal investigation into the jail began after reports of contraband was being brought into the facility. On July 9, cigarettes, lights and dipping tobacco were found in an inmate’s cell and 36-year-old officer Dustin Swaim was searched and an additional pack of cigarettes was found in his uniform, as said by the Sheriff’s Office.
Swaim admitted says he admitted to the crime and charged with willfully failing to discharge his duties and providing tobacco to an inmate.
26-year-old Zachary McIntyre was also charged with willfully failing to discharge his duties.
Dustin Swaim (left) and Zachary McIntyre (right)
38-year-old William Upright was the inmate in possession of the contraband and was charged with possessing tobacco by an inmate. He has been incarcerated since November of 2023 for failure to appear or comply on other matters.
Rowan County Sheriff Allen states, “We here at the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office take pride in professionalism and holding ourselves to a high standard. We do not and will not tolerate illegal activity among our Detention Officers and Deputies. These two Detention Officers not only compromised the safety of inmates but were a severe safety risk to their fellow Detention Officers. There is no room at this Office for those who would break the law and betray the trust of the citizens of Rowan County. The citizens of Rowan County can rest assured that the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office will always be forthcoming and transparent in matters such as these.”
He also stated, “I would like to thank the great men and women who continue to serve at the Rowan County Detention Center. They have a difficult job and often go unrecognized for all the good work that they do. The arrest of these two Detention Officers in no way casts a shadow on the vigilant service that our remaining Detention Officers continue to provide to our County.”
