By Shavonne Walker

shavonne.walker@salisburypost.com

SALISBURY — An inmate in the Rowan County Detention Center was found to have a disposable razor in his cell.

The Rowan County Sheriff’s Office said the inmate was given the razor to shave. He was supposed to return it but didn’t, officials said.

Inmates were given razors Friday, and a detention center officer later noted that one blade had not been returned, said Capt. John Sifford.

A search of several inmates was conducted, and a blade was found in the door flap of a cell. The blade could be seen only when the door was closed.

Sifford said Thomas Gerhard Emmesberger, 18, was assigned to that cell and had received a razor on Friday. Emmesberger said a detention center officer had planted the blade. The blade and a plastic piece were collected as evidence.

Emmesberger has been in the jail since his October arrest on charges of robbery with a dangerous weapon and damaging computers and materials. He also was charged with misdemeanor possession of a dangerous weapon in prison.

Emmesberger is accused of robbing the Circle K convenience store and Auto Zone, both on East Innes Street, in October. Two other businesses — Advance Auto Parts and Speedway gas station — say a man who matched Emmesberger’s description tried to rob those stores, both of which are on East Innes Street.

He remains in jail under a total $22,000 secured bond.