Sumter man arrested in connection with providing contraband to an inmate

(Courtesy: SCDC)

(Courtesy: SCDC)

SUMTER COUNTY, S.C. (WOLO)– A Sumter man has been charged in relation to providing contraband to an inmate at Broad River Correctional Institution (BRCI), said SCDC.

Rodney C. Butler, 34, is charged with providing contraband to an inmate and criminal conspiracy.

Butler is accused of being involved in flying a drone carrying contraband onto the Broad River prison yard.

Investigators said Butler coordinated the drop location and payment through text messages to multiple inmates who were using illegal contraband cellphones.

He was caught by Richland County Sheriff’s Department deputies after a drone alert at the BRCI.

During the incident, deputies searched the vehicle and found a DJI Inspire 2 that matched the drone type that sent an alert.

Investigators said an analysis of the drone showed that it did fly over the prison on the incident date.

Also, investigators said there were text messages between Butler and multiple SC department of corrections inmates.