An employee of the Lauderdale County Sheriff's Department has been fired and faces criminal charges.

Officials say the county jail employee allegedly helped an inmate smuggle in contraband, a cell phone, which is not allowed.

The employee's name is not released yet, while an internal investigation is being conducted. Sheriff Billy Sollie said this kind of action is unacceptable.

"We don't tolerate misuse of power and we are going to demonstrate that every time we develop probable cause to remove an employee and to prosecute that employee," Sollie said.

Sollie said the employee will have a probable cause hearing in circuit court soon to see if there is enough evidence for felony charges to be filed.