What Counts as Contraband at Spartanburg County Jail (and the penalties for furnishing it)
Contraband rules at Spartanburg County Jail are broader than most people expect. Bring or pass along the wrong item—even something that seems minor—and you could create serious problems for your loved one and real legal risk for yourself.
At Spartanburg County Detention Facility, the definition is simple but strict: any item not officially issued to the prisoner or available through the jail canteen counts as contraband. Don't assume something is fine just because it's common or cheap. If the facility didn't issue it and the canteen doesn't sell it, it's contraband.
Heads-up: For administrative purposes, the director specifically declares chewing gum, chewing tobacco, and snuff as contraband.
Furnishing contraband to a prisoner isn't just a rule violation - it's a felony under South Carolina law (Section 24-7-155). If you bring in or provide something that counts as contraband, you can be charged criminally. Not just turned away at the door. Charged.
- ✓ Fine: $1,000 to $10,000
- ✓ Imprisonment: 1 year to 10 years (or both fine and imprisonment)
- Don’t hand items to an inmate - If it wasn’t officially issued by the facility or can’t be purchased in the jail canteen, it can be treated as contraband.
- Use the lobby kiosk for money deposits - Cash, credit cards, or debit cards can be used at the 24/7 kiosk in the main jail lobby at 950 California Ave to deposit funds into an inmate’s account.
- Ask before you bring anything - If you’re unsure whether something is allowed, check with staff first. The safest approach is to assume it’s contraband unless it’s issued by the facility or available in the canteen.
Reminder: Furnishing contraband to prisoners is enforced as a felony under Section 24-7-155.
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