Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Southampton County deputies arrested a woman Tuesday, Nov. 8, on multiple warrants who was recently fired from the Southampton County Sheriff’s Office.

An SCSO news release stated that Kimberly Nicole Smith, 24, of Branchville, was charged with six counts of felony 18.2-64.2, carnal knowledge of an inmate; one count of felony 18.2-431.1, illegal conveyance of cellular phone to prisoner; one count of felony 18.2-152.4, computer trespass; and one count of misdemeanor 18.2-460, obstruction of justice.

Smith was previously a deputy sheriff at the SCSO. The release noted that she was appointed as a deputy on Sept. 19, 2016, and she was terminated from her position on Oct. 28, 2022. At termination, she held the rank of corporal and was assigned to the Detention Division. 

Southampton County Sheriff Josh A. Wyche Sr. wrote an email to the rest of the sheriff’s office Wednesday morning, Nov. 9, to formally share with its other members the news of the arrest.

“This was an unfortunate but necessary conclusion to an investigation that started prior to her termination from this agency,” he stated.

The release noted that the sheriff’s office had begun investigating potential policy and criminal violations by Smith on Sept. 26.

“To everyone that assisted with the investigation,” Wyche wrote, “I want to thank you for your dedication to the mission of this agency and to express appreciation for what was most certainly a difficult task as it is never easy to see someone we once called a brother or sister end up on the wrong side of the law.”

Smith was released on a $2,000 secured bond Nov. 8, the release stated, adding that her first scheduled court appearance is on Tuesday, Nov. 15, at 9 a.m. in Southampton General District Court.  

“We would like to thank the Southampton County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office for working closely with our agency during this investigation,” SCSO officials said in the release.

Wyche closed his email to the sheriff’s office by saying, “Thank you to everyone that shows up every day and does your assigned job to the best of your ability, taking pride in your work and performing your duties in a manner that reflects well upon this agency. Your efforts are greatly appreciated, and you should know that however unfortunate this incident is, it does not reflect on the remaining men and women who call this agency home.”