Palmetto State News

Governor Henry McMaster has signed the Captain Robert Johnson Act into law, targeting the use of contraband telecommunications devices in South Carolina prisons. The ceremonial signing was attended by Lieutenant Governor Pamela S. Evette, S.C. Department of Corrections (SCDC) Director Bryan Stirling, and other state officials.

"The use of contraband cell phones and other communication devices to orchestrate crime both inside and outside of prison has been a serious threat that has had devastating consequences for innocent people across our state," stated Gov. McMaster. He emphasized the progress made under Director Stirling's leadership in addressing this issue.

The legislation defines a telecommunications device as any means of communication within or outside correctional facilities, including cell phones, radios, pagers, laptops, or similar technology. "Cell phones are very dangerous in an inmate’s hands," noted Director Stirling. "Today marks a milestone for the South Carolina Department of Corrections as we take a huge step forward by signing this bill."

Named after Captain Robert Johnson, who was targeted by inmates using a contraband phone in 2010, the act imposes strict penalties on offenders. A first offense is a misdemeanor with up to one year in prison; subsequent offenses are felonies with harsher sentences.

Former Capt. Johnson expressed his support: “I’m overjoyed... I thank them for pushing the legislation through.” Speaker Murrell Smith also praised the efforts: “There’s a lot of credit to be given... to the men and women of the South Carolina Department of Corrections.”

The new law supports SCDC's Cell Phone Interdiction program which collaborates with wireless providers to disable unauthorized devices within prisons. Since its inception in July 2023, this initiative has successfully disabled 1,500 cell phones.