An alleged trespasser found himself offsides but was stopped by pass interference when a football packed with tobacco was found outside Columbus Correctional.
David Anthony Howard, 28, of Greenville, was charged with first degree trespassing on a warrant drawn by Whiteville Police. He was released on $1,500 secured bond.
WPD reported that police were called to the prison at 7:06 a.m. after Howard was found in his vehicle on the prison grounds. A football containing tobacco was found in his Ford Expedition, the police report said.
Because the football never made it inside the fence, Howard was not charged with possessing contraband.
Footballs are among the most popular items used for carrying tobacco, drugs and other contraband inside of prisons. Items that can be thrown or tossed over the fences are packed with prohibited materials, in hopes that inmates will find the contraband before guards. Security personnel check the grounds each morning before prisoners are allowed outside, to prevent contraband from being retrieved by inmates.
Tobacco has been banned in prisons in the state in varying degrees since 2005. A 2017 law prohibits any form of tobacco use as well as vapes.
