ROWAN COUNTY — Detectives with the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office Vice and Narcotics Unit were notified on Monday of allegations involving a detention officer reportedly smuggling contraband, including narcotics and tobacco products, into the Rowan County Detention Facility.
The ensuing investigation resulted in charges for a detention officer and an inmate.
Now former Rowan County Detention Officer Douglas Moore Jr. was found to have allegedly introduced the tobacco products, prompting the charges of felony providing tobacco to an inmate and felony conspiracy. He was arrested on scene and issued a $5,000 bond. Following his arrest, Moore was transferred to the Cabarrus County
Detention Center.
Inmate Jacob Seth Jennell, who was being held on a separate charge of attempted first-degree murder stemming from a 2024 incident in Landis, was also charged after investigators determined that he conspired with Moore to facilitate the introduction of the contraband. Jennelle was charged with misdemeanor possession of tobacco products in a detention center and felony conspiracy.
In response to the charges, Sheriff Travis Allen said, “The Rowan County Sheriff’s Office remains firmly committed to holding our detention officers to the highest professional and ethical standards. We will not tolerate, nor ignore, any misconduct that compromises the safety and security of our detention facility. The introduction of contraband into our jail places inmates, staff, and the public at risk, and it will be addressed swiftly and decisively.
“Any employee who violates the law or breaches the trust placed in them will be thoroughly investigated and held fully accountable. Let this serve as clear notice: individuals who choose to engage in this type of conduct will be identified, charged, and prosecuted.
“The men and women who serve at our detention center are dedicated professionals who take great pride in their work. They, like I do, strongly condemn any actions that undermine the integrity of this office and the safety of our facility.”
The investigation remains ongoing. A spokesperson with the sheriff’s office indicated that additional charges could be forthcoming.
