ASSOCIATE WARDEN FACES DRUG CHARGES

COLUMBIA, S.C. - An associate warden at a state prison in Sumter
County faces federal drug charges.

Matthew Golden, 43, was arrested Wednesday and charged with
conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or
more of cocaine and 50 grams or more of crack cocaine, U.S. Attorney
Reginald Lloyd said.

The cocaine has a wholesale value of at least $100,000, authorities said.

Golden is an associate warden at Wateree River Correctional
Institution, a medium-security facility in Rembert. He has worked in
the Department of Corrections since Nov. 13, 1984.

There is no evidence any of the drugs made it inside the prison,
assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Moore said

If convicted, Golden faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years
in prison and up to life in prison and a $4 million fine, Lloyd said.

Golden and his 47-year-old brother, Alphonso, who faces similar
charges, are being held at the Lexington County jail.