Former Sumter County detention officer charged for reportedly misusing position

A former Sumter County Sheriff’s Office Detention Center officer was arrested for allegedly using his position to obtain contact information for female inmates.
Michael James Barrs, 37, was arrested Tuesday morning at his home when Sumter County deputies arrived to execute a search warrant of the premises, said Deputy Adrienne Sarvis, public information officer for the sheriff’s office.
Evidence gathered thus far in the case revealed that, among other actions still under investigation, Barrs reportedly used his position as a detention officer to obtain contact information for female inmates and later engaged in multiple instances of inappropriate and unlawful contact after the women were released on bond, Sarvis said. Barrs was charged with solicitation of prostitution and misconduct in office.
Due to the ongoing nature of the investigation, Sheriff Anthony Dennis is unable to release additional details at this time.
“This type of misconduct by any of my officers will not be tolerated and we will make sure Barrs faces full punishment for his actions,” Dennis said. “I will not allow the criminal behavior of individuals associated with Sumter County Sheriff’s Office to go unpunished and I will not allow those individuals to sully the reputation of this agency.”
According to Sarvis, Barrs was hired by the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office on Dec. 17, 2018, after having previously served as a correctional officer at the S.C. Department of Corrections for approximately 13 years.
This investigation is ongoing and Barrs could face additional charges.