Two Alvin S. Glenn prison guards arrested after search for contraband

RICHLAND COUNTY, SC – A surprise vehicle search led to the arrest of two Richland County jail guards on Wednesday for possession of contraband and drugs.

The Richland County Sheriff's Department said charges were filed against 37-year-old Bridget Williams and 50-year-old Ashanti Rembert after officers conducted an unscheduled search of all employee vehicles at the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center during shift change that day at around 6 p.m.

As a result of the search, Williams was charged with first-degree possession or delivery of contraband and first-degree manufacture or distribution of methamphetamine.

Rembert was charged with possession of other controlled substances and possession or delivery of contraband. Both were released on bail.

The sheriff's department said the search was due in part to a recent “surge” in drugs and unknown substances found in the jail. There have also been several inmate overdose deaths in recent weeks.