Rowan County Detention Officer Charged in Jail Contraband Investigation

Left: Jacob Seth Jennelle Right: Douglas Moore Jr.

The Rowan County Sheriff’s Office has charged a former detention officer following an internal contraband investigation at the county jail, authorities said Tuesday.

Sheriff Travis Allen said detectives with the agency’s Vice and Narcotics Unit began investigating Feb. 16 after receiving allegations that a detention officer was smuggling contraband, including narcotics and tobacco products, into the Rowan County Detention Facility.

According to the sheriff’s office, investigators found that former detention officer Douglas Moore Jr. brought tobacco products into the jail on at least one occasion. Authorities said inmate Jacob Seth Jennelle worked with Moore to arrange the delivery of the contraband.

Moore faces charges of felony providing tobacco to an inmate and felony conspiracy. He was arrested and given a $5,000 secured bond. After his arrest, officials transferred him to the Cabarrus County Detention Center.

Jennelle was charged with misdemeanor possession of tobacco products in a detention center and felony conspiracy. Authorities set his bond at $50,000 secured. He remains in custody on a separate attempted first-degree murder charge tied to a 2024 case.

Allen said the agency holds detention staff to strict professional and ethical standards and investigates misconduct that affects jail safety and security.

The investigation remains active, and additional charges remain possible, according to the sheriff’s office.