COLUMBIA COUNTY, Fla. — An employee with the Columbia County Detention Center was arrested on Friday, Oct. 10, after an investigation revealed he was bringing drugs into the jail, according to the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office.

CCSO says that on Thursday, Oct. 9, detectives were made aware of allegations that the detention officer, William McGhin, 47, was “introducing illegal drugs into the jail and distributing them to inmates.” Upon further investigation, CCSO says that evidence supporting these allegations was discovered.

A K-9 unit had identified the presence of drugs around McGhin’s vehicle parked at the jail, according to CCSO. Upon searching the vehicle, police say that two substances were found, which field-tested positive for methamphetamine, one of them being found in McGhin’s personal lunchbox.

Following his arrest, McGhin faced charges of possessing a controlled substance and conspiring to smuggle contraband into a detention facility. The CCSO confirmed that he was dismissed from his position after the arrest.

CCSO provided the following statement:

“While we are disappointed in this individual’s actions, we are committed to holding ourselves accountable. In doing so, we strive to maintain a secure and safe environment for all of our employees and those within our care and custody at the detention facility. This former employee’s actions do not reflect the values of this agency, and the overwhelming majority of our employees work each day to uphold the utmost integrity while serving our community. We will continue to work diligently to maintain a trusting relationship with those we have the privilege to serve.”