Tony Roberts, 52, of Garysburg, was charged by Investigator O.L. Wiltsie following an investigation which began last Monday, Roanoke Rapids police Chief Check Hasty said in a statement.
Roberts, who with worked with parks and recreation, is no longer employed with the city.
He received a $2,000 bond and November 1 court date where he will answer to the charge of providing or furnishing a mobile device to an inmate.
Hasty said the charge stems from an investigation Wiltsie began last Monday when a correctional officer was doing a search of inmates returning from work assignments and found one of them in possession of a cell phone.
The investigation is ongoing.
Captain B.L. Martin and North Carolina Department of Public Safety staff assisted with the investigation.
