By: Tracy Sanders, Co-Editor | tracy@thewoodrufftimes.com
A sweeping investigation has led to the arrests of three people accused of running a drug-smuggling scheme that spread across South Carolina prisons — and it all traces back to the Woodruff Post Office.
The South Carolina Department of Corrections (SCDC) Inspector General announced Friday that a former correctional officer, a former inmate, and the inmate’s brother face multiple charges after authorities intercepted packages containing drug-laced paper and strips of suboxone sent to inmates across the state.
From March through June, investigators confiscated 666 sheets of paper soaked in synthetic marijuana (K2) and 241 suboxone strips concealed inside books mailed from Woodruff. Officials say the drugs reached at least 20 inmates in 14 different prisons.“We fight daily schemes from criminals trying to bring contraband into our prisons, and I will not tolerate it,” said SCDC Director Joel Anderson. “These drugs are poisoning our inmates and are a danger to our staff. I am thankful we are holding these people accountable for the harmful situations they create.”
Shataysha Quneeka Lewis, 36, of Woodruf, a former Evans Correctional Institution officer who left the agency in 2019. She is charged with possession of suboxone with intent to distribute, possession of synthetic marijuana with intent to distribute, providing contraband to prisoners, and criminal conspiracy.
Devin Jamaal Kershaw, 41, of Chesnee, a former inmate who served roughly 20 years for charges including kidnapping. He is charged with possession of suboxone, possession of a firearm by a felon, furnishing contraband to a prisoner, and criminal conspiracy. Kershaw was released to community supervision in Spartanburg County in 2022.
Coure Romaine Terry, 36, of Chesnee, Kershaw’s brother, charged with possession of marijuana with intent to distribute.
The department reminded the public that after an arrest, the burden is on the state to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
What makes this case especially alarming for local residents is the use of the Woodruff Post Office as the mailing hub for the contraband packages. Authorities say every intercepted book tied to the scheme was shipped from there.
The partnership between federal, state, and local agencies was critical in breaking up the operation. SCDC credited the U.S. Postal Inspection Unit, Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office, and Woodruff Police Department for their role in the investigation.
Contraband, particularly drugs smuggled in through creative means, has long been a battle for prison officials nationwide. The use of paper infused with drugs has become increasingly common, often disguised as legal mail or books.
For now, SCDC officials say they remain vigilant, but the case serves as a stark reminder of the lengths people will go to funnel drugs behind prison walls.
Author: Tracy Sanders
