DA issues statement on illegal drug allegations involving Tabor City prison guards

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One correctional officer was charged and two others resigned following the overdose death of an inmate at Tabor Correctional Institution. Tabor Correctional Institution (Photo: Kylie Jones / WWAY)

COLUMBUS COUNTY, NC (WWAY) – The Columbus County District Attorney’s Office has released a statement regarding allegations involving “multiple” prison guards bringing drugs into Tabor Correctional Facility.

Authorities say inmate Dustin D. Goodson, 31, suffered an apparent overdose on November 12 and was taken to McLeod Loris Hospital, where he was later declared brain dead.

A supervisor at the Tabor Correctional Facility reported the inmate’s overdose to the Tabor Town Police Department on November 16, which opened an investigation into the case.

Photo by Wesley Thompson (Photo: CCSO)

Police said correctional officer Wesley Thompson has been charged with trafficking synthetic cannabinoids inside Tabor Correctional Facility. Thompson has not been linked with Goodson’s death yet.

Two other correctional officers at the institution have resigned, but they do not face any charges at this time.

Tabor City Police Chief Donald Dowless said the investigation is continuing and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation has opened an investigation into the case.

DA Jon David made the following statement on Wednesday:

“The district attorney’s office asked the State Investigation Bureau to investigate allegations that several prison guards smuggled illegal drugs into the Tabor prison facility. In addition, we are investigating whether the recent death of an inmate from suspected drug overdose is related to this activity. Although this is a criminal investigation, the district attorney’s office coordinates closely with the management of the Ministry of Public Security to ensure that they have enough information to make important decisions regarding the staff. We value and appreciate the tough jobs of prison guards, and we will not allow the criminal actions of a few to compromise the safety of the prison environment for all.

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