Former Aiken County detention officer arrested for misconduct, furnishing contraband

AIKEN, S.C. (WJBF) – The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) arrested a former Aiken County Detention Center detention officer on Thursday after an investigation, authorities said.

Jaquaime Trashawn Washington, 24, was booked into the Aiken County Detention Center on Aug. 21 after being charged with Misconduct in Office and Furnishing Contraband in a County Jail.

Washington was terminated as in employee on Nov. 6. 2024.

The Aiken County Sheriff’s Office said and internal investigation led them to find evidence of Washington allegedly proving unauthorized items to inmates while being employed at the detention center. ACSO then requested a SLED investigation.

According to arrest warrants, Washington is accused of providing vapes, THC gummies and ecstasy pills to inmates in the detention center, while on duty and in uniform.

“The integrity of our office and the safety of our detention facility are of the utmost importance,” Sheriff Mary Sawyer said in a statement. “The actions of one individual do not reflect the dedication and professionalism of the men and women who serve our community every day. We will not tolerate misconduct within our ranks, and we will always hold ourselves accountable to the citizens we serve.”