4 charged, employee fired for allegedly trying to smuggle drugs into Rowan County jail

SALISBURY, N.C. (WBTV) - An employee was fired and four others were charged after deputies busted a contraband smuggling operation at the Rowan County jail this month.

The investigation began on Tuesday, April 1, after a suspicious package was found near the detention center’s rear entry.

Deputies said they found suboxone strips and tablets as well as other tobacco products inside the package. The evidence led detectives to identify and charge the people involved.

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4 charged

Amber Purser, Joseph Montgomery, James Webster, and Justin Webster were all charged with conspiracy to commit a felony.

Justin Webster, an inmate identified as a “central figure” in the smuggling attempt, was issued a $20,000 secured bond due in part to an associated probation violation. The other three were given $2,500 bonds.

J. Webster (far left), Purser (middle left), Ja. Webster (middle right), Montgomery (right)(Courtesy: Rowan County Sheriff)

Employee fired

The sheriff’s office noted that a fifth person, an employee contracted through the detention center’s food service provider, allegedly accepted funds from Justin Webster in exchange for introducing tobacco products into the building.

Deputies advised that the worker was terminated immediately, and potential charges are pending.