By Shavonne Walker

shavonne.walker@salisburypost.com

SALISBURY — A former officer at the Rowan County Detention Center has been charged with smuggling marijuana and other contraband into the jail.

Raymond Heath Moore, 32, had been working in the main detention facility when the smuggling occurred, officials said.

He was arrested at the detention center Wednesday and charged with conspiracy to deliver marijuana, delivery of marijuana, possession with intent to deliver marijuana, and providing marijuana at the Detention Center.

Moore was hired on Feb. 11 and was fired this week.

In June, the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office Administrative Division and Special Investigations Unit began an investigation of Moore after receiving information about an inmate charged with the attempted murder of a Statesville police officer.

The investigation showed that Moore was being paid to bring drugs, tobacco and lighters into the jail. After reviewing surveillance video and interviewing inmates, investigators on Wednesday night searched Moore, his vehicle and his residence, located in the 200 block of Correll Street in Landis.

The searches turned up evidence that Moore was smuggling contraband into the jail and providing it to as many as four inmates, authorities said.

Investigators said marijuana was smuggled in at least five times.

Moore was issued a $40,000 secured bond and placed in the Iredell County Detention Center. He has since been released.

The investigation is ongoing, and additional charges are possible against Moore and others, authorities said.

Deputy Chief David Ramsey said Moore had served in the military before his work with the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office.

Contact reporter Shavonne Walker at 704-797-4253.