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Three additional individuals have received charges after a Troup County Sheriff’s Office detention officer was arrested for bringing drugs into the jail earlier this week.

Steven Michael Crowder, 23, who had been employed since January as a detention officer, was with, four counts of violation of oath by a public officer, four counts of items prohibited for possession by inmates and one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.

This investigation began approximately a month ago after allegations were made that Crowder was possibly bringing narcotics into the jail facility and being paid through a third party. After the lengthy and thorough investigation, TCSO said in the press release that it believes Crowder was the only detention officer involved in this case.

The three individuals who have received charges are all inmates at the jail.

Reginal Saffold, 37, received four counts of items prohibited for possession by inmates and one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. He already was in jail on multiple felonies, including aggravated assault and obstruction, according to Sgt. Stewart Smith with TCSO.

Jason Cofield, 37, was charged with two counts of items prohibited for possession by inmates and one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. He was already in jail on obstruction of an officer and interference with government policy charges.

Ruby Jean Griffin, 42, received two counts of items prohibited for possession by inmates and one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. He was already in jail on a probation violation charges.

“Every person who joins our staff, is held to a higher standard and I personally tell each of them the consequences they will face should they make the choice to bring contraband in the jail or participate in criminal behavior,” said Sheriff James Woodruff in a press release.