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What Happens If You Send Prohibited Items to Sampson County Detention Center

Sending prohibited or illegal material to Sampson County Detention Center can do more than get your letter rejected. Mail that crosses certain lines may be referred to authorities for investigation—and some content can lead to criminal charges.

• 2 min read • sampsoncountync.gov
What Happens If You Send Prohibited Items to Sampson County Detention Center

Mail flagged as illegal or a security breach won't simply be blocked. Sampson County Detention Center turns scanned mail containing illegal material or security violations over to the proper authorities for investigation.

What triggers a referral? Anything that looks like contraband or a security threat. This includes illegal substances, content tied to gang activity, violence, or drug and alcohol use. Sexually explicit material is also prohibited - and sending it can create bigger problems than a simple "return to sender."

Threats are taken especially seriously. Any threats of criminal activity in correspondence are prohibited and may result in criminal charges at Sampson County Detention Center.

Even without harmful intent, mail can become evidence. If scanned correspondence contains illegal substances, contraband, or materials tied to gang activity, violence, or other illegal activity, the facility can turn it over to authorities for investigation. That referral can put both the sender and the person in custody under additional scrutiny.

What Happens If You Send Prohibited Items to Sampson County Detention Center

Examples of Prohibited Content

  • ✓ Anything containing, depicting, or relating to sexually explicit activity
  • ✓ Anything related to gang activity, illegal activity, violence, or drug or alcohol use
  • ✓ Illegal substances or any other items considered contraband
  • ✓ Cash, personal checks, or money orders mailed to the mail processing center

Some mail gets rejected simply because it can't be processed for scanning. Keep it to 10 pages or less per envelope, with pages no larger than 8.5" x 11". Make sure the envelope includes the facility name, the inmate's name, the inmate ID number, and the facility ID (5176). Missing any of these details means the mail won't be scanned.

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