Mecklenburg County Detention Officer fired; officials said he gave contraband to inmates

A Mecklenburg County detention officer was fired after being arrested for allegedly providing contraband to inmates. 

Officer Marc Antoine was terminated Wednesday after warrants were issued for his arrest.

According to the Sheriff’s office, Antoine was hired on April 21, 2021.

Officials said they found Antoine’s actions were a violation of North Carolina General Statutes. These violations include “furnishing poison, controlled substances, deadly weapons, cartridges, ammunition or alcoholic beverages to inmates of charitable, mental or penal institutions or local confinement facilities; furnishing tobacco products including vapor products; or furnishing mobile phones to inmates or delinquent juveniles”.

“I am extremely disappointed in the actions and conduct of this officer,” said Sheriff Garry McFadden in a statement.  Over the past several weeks we have taken great measures, including forming a new specialized Tactical Response Unit (TRU), to maintain safety and security at the detention center and to respond to the needs of our staff only to discover many of our efforts may have been comprised.”

“I am still proud of the dedicated men and woman who continue to stand firm on the Oath they took to become a detention officer,” he added.