SC Prison Guard Busted Smuggling Fentanyl and Cannabis

OG article by Patrick Phillips

November 4, 2025

A South Carolina Department of Corrections officer faces multiple charges after allegedly attempting to smuggle drugs and contraband into a Dorchester County prison facility.

John Meyers, 30, of Cottageville, is charged with trafficking fentanyl, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, criminal conspiracy and providing contraband to prisoners, according to arrest warrants.

A judge set bond at a total of $50,000 for the four charges and jail records state Meyers was released from the Dorchester County jail on bond.

Department of Corrections spokesperson Chrysti Shain says Meyers worked at the Lieber Correctional Institute in Ridgeville.

Investigators say he brought 10 grams of fentanyl, 212 grams of marijuana, vapes, THC wax, a cellphone, digital scales and other contraband into the prison when he reported for work.

Meyers was arrested on Tuesday and has since been fired, Shain said.