A former McMinn County jail guard faces a criminal charge following an investigation into contraband smuggled into the facility, state authorities announced.

Harley McCormick, 21, was indicted by a McMinn County Grand Jury last week on one count of Official Misconduct. The indictment follows a six-month probe by special agents with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI).

According to officials, 10th Judicial District Attorney General Stephen Hatchett requested the TBI’s involvement on December 16, 2024, after receiving reports that contraband had been introduced into the McMinn County Jail earlier that year in June. Investigators subsequently uncovered evidence alleging McCormick’s involvement in the incident.

McCormick turned himself in at the McMinn County Jail on Tuesday, June 23, and was later released on an own recognizance bond.

Authorities confirmed that McCormick was employed as a correctional officer with the McMinn County Sheriff’s Office at the time of the alleged misconduct, but noted he was terminated from his position prior to the TBI launching its investigation.

The charges and allegations outlined in the indictment are strictly accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.