SOUTH CAROLINA — A 36-year-old prison nurse has been arrested and charged after authorities allege she had a nearly two-month sexual relationship with an inmate under her care and smuggled him a cellphone containing graphic videos of their encounters.

Courtney Williams faces charges of first-degree sexual misconduct with an inmate and bribery. If convicted, she could face up to 10 years in prison.

According to the arrest warrant, the inmate was “under her direct care and supervision.” The relationship allegedly came to light when the smuggled phone was discovered, revealing explicit content of the pair.

This case highlights serious security and ethical breaches within the correctional system. Prison staff engaging in sexual relationships with inmates is strictly prohibited due to the inherent power imbalance and security risks.

The South Carolina Department of Corrections (SCDC) is likely conducting an internal investigation. Such incidents undermine public trust in the prison system and can compromise facility safety.

Williams has been taken into custody. The investigation is ongoing.

This story serves as a reminder of the strict professional boundaries required in correctional healthcare roles.