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Prison Guards Facing Drug Charges

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LILLINGTON — Three prison guards and an inmate from Harnett County were accused Mondaynight of selling marijuana inside the walls of the Harnett CountyCorrectional Facility.

Deputies said they believe drugs were being sold for a while before theywere tipped off in June. They're hoping the charges will send a strongmessage that drugs no matter where they're being sold will not be tolerated.

Prison is a place where prisoners are supposed to pay for their crimes.But behind the fences of Harnett County Correctional Facility, someprisoners were enjoying a freedom few would have guessed.

"There was contraband being carried inside to inmates," said Capt. JohnAtkins, Harnett County Sheriff's Department.

Deputies said at least three of the guards who were supposed to keep watchover the inmates were actually supplying them with marijuana. Some deputies were not surprised.

Atkins said the sheriff's department will do what it can to stop suppliers.

For now the drug trade going on inside the prison has stopped and deputiessaid they'll do everything they can to keep it from starting again.

Deputies said they're continuing to investigate and that more correctionalofficers could likely face charges.

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