Aiken, South Carolina, August 22, 2025

News Summary

Jaquaime Trashawn Washington, a 24-year-old former jailer at the Aiken County Detention Center, has been arrested for allegedly smuggling contraband items to inmates. Charged with misconduct in office and furnishing contraband, Washington allegedly provided inmates with banned items including vapes and drugs during his tenure. Following an internal investigation, he was terminated from his position, highlighting a significant issue of staff misconduct in jail systems.

Aiken, South Carolina – Jaquaime Trashawn Washington, a 24-year-old former jailer at the Aiken County Detention Center, has been arrested and is facing serious charges for allegedly smuggling contraband items to inmates during his tenure. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) took Washington into custody on August 21, 2025, following an extensive investigation into his misconduct.

Washington has been charged with misconduct in office and furnishing contraband in a county jail. These charges stem from findings by the Aiken County Sheriff’s Office, which initiated an internal investigation after suspicions arose regarding Washington’s activities while on duty. The investigation revealed that he allegedly provided inmates with items such as vapes, THC gummies, and ecstasy pills, all of which are prohibited within the jail. Notably, Washington is accused of smuggling these unauthorized items while wearing his uniform.

Following the internal investigation, Washington was terminated from his position at the Aiken County Detention Center on November 6, 2024. The Sheriff’s Office deemed the integrity of the facility and the safety of its occupants as top priorities and acted swiftly to ensure accountability. In light of the investigation’s results, the case was referred to SLED, who executed the arrest based on the evidence compiled.

Impact on the Aiken County Sheriff’s Office

The Aiken County Sheriff’s Office has emphasized that the actions of one individual do not represent the dedication and professionalism of the entire staff. Sheriff Marty Sawyer acknowledged the importance of maintaining a high standard of conduct for all law enforcement personnel and reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to safety and integrity in jail operations.

The Nature of the Charges

These charges against Washington highlight a concerning issue within jail systems, where staff misconduct can undermine security and safety. Allegations of smuggling illegal substances into prisons or jails are serious and have far-reaching implications for both inmates and staff members. The case against Washington serves as a noteworthy example of the efforts to root out corruption and maintain lawful conditions within correctional facilities.

Contextual Background on Jail Contraband Issues

The problem of contraband in jails is a persistent challenge faced by correctional institutions across the United States. Items that are smuggled in can lead to dangerous situations, both for inmates and staff, as well as potentially impacting rehabilitation efforts. Addressing the smuggling of contraband is critical for the overall management of correctional facilities and ensuring that the legal consequences of inmate behavior are upheld.

In response to issues of contraband, correctional facilities have been implementing stricter security measures, including enhanced surveillance and searches, to prevent illegal items from entering. This incident involving Washington underscores the ongoing vigilance required to maintain order and safety in detention centers.

Conclusion

As the case against Jaquaime Trashawn Washington progresses through the legal system, it serves as a critical reminder of the importance of accountability and integrity within law enforcement and correctional facilities. The Aiken County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to ensuring that such misconduct does not compromise the safety and security of its environment.

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Former Aiken County Detention Officer Arrested for Misconduct

Additional Resources

• WRDW: Ex-jailer accused of smuggling contraband
• Augusta Chronicle: Former Aiken County jailer charged
• WLTX: South Carolina jailer arrested for contraband
• WJBF: Former Aiken County detention officer arrested
• WRDW: Former Aiken County jailer arrested video
• Wikipedia: Contraband
• Google Search: Jail Contraband
• Google Scholar: Contraband in Jails
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Contraband
• Google News: Smuggling in Correctional Facilities

Author: STAFF HERE AIKEN

The AIKEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAiken.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Aiken, Aiken County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Aiken Horse Show, Aiken Bluegrass Festival, and polo matches at Whitney Field. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Aiken Chamber of Commerce and the Aiken County Historical Museum, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and tourism that power the local economy such as Bridgestone and the Aiken County Visitors Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.