Columbia County Deputy Jailer Arrested and Fired
A Columbia County Deputy Jailer who had only been with the department since January was arrested and fired Thursday.
A news release from the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office says Deputy Jailer Riley Peters was allowing inmates to use a cell phone he brought into the E Pod housing area.
An inmate told authorities he had heard about possible Cash App payments in exchange for use of the phone.
According to the news release, “When Deputy Peters arrived for work and took over the E Pod housing area, we initiated a lock down of the pod and conducted an extensive search of the inmates and pod. Riley Peters was escorted to the Criminal Investigations Division and interviewed.”
The 21-year-old Peters was suspended without pay and sent home Wednesday. Today, Peters was arrested. His bond was set at $20,000.
Charges Against Peters
- Violation of Oath of Office
- Providing a Telecommunication Device to an Inmate
Peters was terminated today. He had been employed by the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office since January 2, 2024.
