SC prisons captain accused of taking money to share confidential information with inmates
A former captain with the state Department of Corrections shared confidential information with inmates in exchange for money, according to a state prosecutor.
Leon Morell has been charged with disclosure of confidential information, obstruction of justice, money laundering, misconduct in office, ethics violations and computer crimes, according to Special Assistant Attorney General Stephen Lunsford.
“This whole case is based around trust,” Lunsford said during a Thursday morning bond hearing. Morell “is privy to what systems we use to intercept cellphone communications, how we do our searches ... and the operational security of our officers, and still he’s communicating with inmates and providing them with that information, which put the entire the SCDC at risk.”
Department of Corrections Director Bryan Stirling told reporters Thursday that “these are mere allegations” and that Morell is “innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.”
If Morell is found guilty, Stirling said he’d be very disappointed.
“These are serious allegations with serious money being exchanged, and we’re going to continue moving forward until (Morell’s) trial or until he pleads guilty,” Stirling said, adding that investigation is ongoing.
Judge Heath Taylor heard arguments Thursday morning on whether Morell — a former captain with the department — is a danger to the community and a flight risk, after Morell was arrested Wednesday and charged with disclosure of confidential information, obstruction of justice, money laundering, misconduct in office, ethics violations and computer crimes.
Morell allegedly committed the crimes between Jan. 1, 2024, and Dec. 31, 2024, in Lexington County, according to Lunsford.
Lunsford said Morell was charged with disclosure of confidential information because he accepted money via Cash App from an inmate in exchange for confidential and investigative information from the department along with certain surveillance footage.
The obstruction of justice charge is based on Morell, “on multiple occassions,” instructing inmates to delete their electronic communications in an attempt to destroy evidence.
Morell accepted $320,000 from inmates that “he knew were the proceeds of unlawful activity,” Lunsford said of the money laundering charge, adding that it is an on-going investigation.
Morell told Taylor that the information shared with inmates by Morell was not only vital to the operational security, but also to the safety of its officers, the public and the state inspector general’s office.
The misconduct in office charge Lunsford said is because Morell discharged his official responsibilities and failed to perform as a sworn correctional officer by accepting money from an inmate in exchange for confidential intelligence.
In addition, he failed to report an inmate who possessed a cell phone, “as he is legally obligated to do as a corrections officer,” Lunsford said.
Morell, who is represented by attorney Todd Rutherford, is a former administrative captain with the corrections department and former lieutenant with the department’s gang unit, according to Lunsford. Prior to that, he served as a warden with the Department of Juvenile Justice.
He denies the charges, according to Rutherford.
Lunsford requested that Morell receive a bond of $100,000 or higher, arguing he’s a flight risk and a danger to the community.
Rutherford, on the hand, pointed out that Morell, who’s a graduate of the University of South Carolina, doesn’t have a criminal history and has does nothing but serve the community.
“If we are to follow what the Constitution says, which is (whether Morell is a) danger and flight risk, he is neither of those,” Rutherford argued, adding that a personal recognizance bond between $15,000 and $20,000 would be appropriate.
“He is not someone that they can’t reach out and touch,” Rutherford continued. “He is not someone that this community can’t find. He’s involved with the Boys and Girls Club. He does community outreach. He has a number of mentors, because that is what he has built his life on.”
Taylor concluded the hearing by saying he consider the attorneys’ arguments and make a decision later.
This story was originally published February 6, 2025 at 12:07 PM.
