Rowan Detention Officer Charged

The Rowan County Sheriff’s Office has charged a former detention officer following an investigation into contraband at the county jail.

According to the sheriff’s office, detectives with the Vice and Narcotics Unit were notified Monday, February 16, of allegations that a detention officer had been smuggling contraband, including narcotics and tobacco products, into the Rowan County Detention Facility.

Sheriff Travis Allen said the agency is committed to holding detention officers to high professional and ethical standards, adding that misconduct that compromises safety and security will not be tolerated and will be addressed swiftly. He stated that introducing contraband into the jail places inmates, staff, and the public at risk and that any employee who violates the law will be thoroughly investigated and held accountable.

Investigators identified former detention officer Douglas Moore Jr. as having introduced tobacco products into the facility on at least one occasion. Authorities also allege that inmate Jacob Seth Jennelle conspired with Moore to facilitate the introduction of the contraband.

Moore has been charged with felony providing tobacco to an inmate and felony conspiracy. He was arrested at the scene, given a $5,000 secured bond, and transferred to the Cabarrus County Detention Center.

Jennelle was charged with misdemeanor possession of tobacco products in a detention center and felony conspiracy. He received a $50,000 secured bond and remains in custody on a separate charge of attempted first-degree murder related to a 2024 incident.