Ex-detention deputy locked up in jail where she used to work, SC cops say. Here’s why

A former Lexington County Detention Center guard was arrested Thursday and locked up in the jail where she used to work, according to the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department .

Yvette Constantino Wiggins, 57, surrendered to law enforcement officers and was booked into the Lexington County Detention Center Thursday morning, the sheriff’s department said in a news release.

The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division said Wiggins was charged with providing contraband to an inmate and misconduct in office, according to the release.

The crimes happened between Nov. 5, 2023, and Jan. 31, according to an arrest warrant. Wiggins coordinated with another unidentified person to bring in cellphones to the county jail and be directed to a specific inmate, the arrest warrant shows.

Cellphones are designated contraband by the director of the detention center, according to the arrest warrant.

“When I became aware of Ms. Wiggins’ alleged conduct, I referred the matter to SLED for an independent criminal investigation,” Lexington County Sheriff Jay Koon said in the release. “Those who work in law enforcement are held to a higher standard as part of their duty to protect and engage community members. That’s why we hold them accountable when they fall short.”

Wiggins was terminated Aug. 13, Koon said. She was hired by the department in October 2021, according to the release.

There was no word on her bond, but Wiggins is not currently listed on the jail’s inmate roster . Her case will be prosecuted by the South Carolina Attorney General’s Office, according to SLED.

There was no word if the inmate involved in the incident is facing any new charges.