LEXINGTON COUNTY, S.C. — A Lexington County deputy has been arrested and fired after a state investigation found evidence she coordinated with an inmate to bring contraband into the detention center where she worked.
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) said that 57-year-old Yvette Constantino Wiggins was arrested Thursday on charges of misconduct in office and furnishing contraband.
Warrants state that Wiggins furnished or attempted to furnish contraband cell phones in the Lexington County Detention Center in coordination with another person at the facility and at the direction of an inmate. The warrants state that they found evidence of these actions through witness statements and text message data from Wiggins' cell phone.
Investigators said this occurred at some point between Nov. 5, 2023, and Jan. 31, 2024.
Sheriff Jay Koon said in a statement that he referred the matter to SLED after learning of the allegations against Wiggins.
"Those who work in law enforcement are held to a higher standard as part of their duty to protect and engage community members," he said. "That's why we hold them accountable when they fall short."
Wiggins was fired on Tuesday. Sheriff Koon said she was hired in October 2021.