Deputies bust another contraband smuggler outside SC prison - WMBFNews.com, Myrtle Beach/Florence SC, Weather

Sheriff Daniel Simon said deputies were looking for a suspicious vehicle on Wisacky Highway near the City Nursery, described as a white Ford Taurus. While patrolling the area, Simon said deputies saw Christopher Lamont Ham, 29, of Society Hill walking along Wisacky Highway near the City Nursery stuffing something inside his jacket.

The deputy frisked Ham and felt a "large bulge" in Ham's pocket, so Simon said the deputy handcuffed Ham. Deputies later discovered seven duct-taped packages in Ham's pockets containing 14 phones, 10 phone chargers, three cigarette lighters and two pounds of tobacco. Simon said the total value was estimated around $3,200.

Ham told the deputy he was waiting for his cousin, at which time the white Taurus passed by.  Central dispatch advised Deputy Demary that complaint was following this white Ford Taurus, and it was the vehicle that was on the property at City Nursery. Suspect was placed into his patrol car and he proceeded to make traffic stop on this white vehicle.  

Inside the car were LaQuanna S. Jackson, 21, and Chenethia B. Copeland, 21, both from Hartsville. The three suspects told deputies an inmate inside the Lee Correctional Institutional called them to set up deal, for which they were suppose make $200 apiece.

All three are charged with trespassing and possession of contraband.