Jail inmate, contractor employee accused of running contraband ring

CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, S.C. — A joint investigation by the Chesterfield County Sheriff’s Office uncovered an alleged contraband distribution operation inside the Chesterfield County Detention Center involving a kitchen trustee inmate and a food service contractor employee.

Investigators allege Charles B. Allen, an inmate assigned as a trustee in the detention center kitchen, coordinated with Rolando S. Wilson, an employee of food service contractor Skillet, to smuggle contraband to inmates in exchange for electronic payments.

According to the sheriff’s office, Allen collected orders and electronic money transfers from inmates seeking prohibited goods. Allen then forwarded the requests and funds to Wilson, who allegedly purchased the contraband items and brought them inside the detention center during his scheduled work shifts for Allen to distribute throughout the facility.

Investigators also determined that additional individuals outside the facility purchased items and arranged meetings with Wilson to supply contraband for delivery into the detention center. Authorities identified suspects involved in the scheme by analyzing communication records, search warrants and recovered electronic devices.

The joint investigation by the Narcotics Unit, Criminal Investigations Division and detention center personnel began Oct. 21 following reports of illegal items inside the facility. On Oct. 26, investigators and facility staff conducted a targeted search of several areas, seizing cellphones, cellphone chargers, makeshift weapons including shanks, tools used to remove facility bolts, cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, THC vape pens, earbuds, unauthorized food items and illegal narcotics.

The following inmates and individuals have been charged:

• Charles B. Allen, 51, of McBee: Contraband and conspiracy.
• Eric B. Sikes Jr., 28, of Cheraw: Contraband.
• Michael R. Johnson, 30, of Cheraw: Two counts of contraband and malicious injury to jail property.
• Marcus L. Gainey Jr., 20, of Pageland: Two counts of contraband and malicious injury to jail property.
• Jeremiah Wilkes, 20, of Cheraw: Contraband.
• Kenny Wingate, 49, of Cheraw: Possession of a controlled substance and contraband.
• Raytonta R. Buchanan, 19, of Cheraw: Contraband.
• Allison T. Brumbles, 49, of Chesterfield: Arrested Nov. 2, 2026, and charged with two counts of contraband and conspiracy.
• Rolando S. Wilson, 42, of Society Hill: Arrested Oct. 29, 2026, and charged with two counts of contraband and conspiracy.

The Chesterfield County Sheriff’s Office emphasized that introducing weapons and communication devices into the facility poses direct safety threats to detention officers, staff and inmates.

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