A Covington County Sheriff’s Department corrections officer is behind bars for promoting prison contraband.

Three-year Covington County Jail employee Christopher Lee Nelson, 36, of Kinston was arrested and charged with 27 counts of promoting prison contraband, third degree.

Sheriff Dennis Meeks said his department conducted an intensive two-month investigation that revealed the facts that Nelson would bring unauthorized items into the jail in exchange for monetary compensation on numerous dates over the two-month span. 

“It is the duty of our correction officers to enforce the rules and regulations of the Covington County Jail, not use them for their own personal gain,” Meeks said. “But when that happens and the safety and security of the jail could possibly be compromised, then I will have that officer prosecuted to the fullest extent the law allows.”

Meeks said his department worked hard the past eight years to build the reputation of the jail and its staff, and will continue hiring and training well-qualified officers to monitor the facility.

Nelson is currently being held in the county jail on a $405,000 bond or $15,000 per charge.

Meeks said Nelson has been terminated from his job.