Richmond County Deputy Jailer Arrested Following Investigation Into Alleged Misconduct at Jail

AUGUSTA, Ga. — A Richmond County deputy jailer has been arrested after an internal criminal investigation into alleged misconduct involving an inmate at the Charles B. Webster Detention Center.

According to the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office, detention staff discovered a brown fast-food bag containing food remnants inside an inmate’s cell on Sunday, June 28. The discovery was immediately reported to detention supervisors.

As part of the investigation, supervisors reviewed surveillance video, which allegedly showed Deputy Jailer Gwenedra Nelson carrying a brown paper bag and placing it into the inmate’s cell through the food flap.

The case was referred to the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division for further investigation.

On Wednesday, July 1, investigators interviewed Nelson about the incident.

According to investigators, Nelson initially denied knowingly providing food to the inmate. After being shown the surveillance footage, she acknowledged that she was the person depicted in the video but stated she did not remember placing the bag inside the cell.

Investigators said Nelson later admitted she had possessed the bag before declining to answer additional questions.

Based on the evidence gathered during the investigation, Nelson was arrested and charged with Violation of Oath of Office and Making False Statements in a Government Matter.

The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office said it remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and accountability.

“Any employee found to have violated the public’s trust or agency policy will be thoroughly investigated and held accountable under the law,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement.

The investigation remains active, and authorities said no additional information will be released at this time.