AIKEN -- Aiken County Sheriff Michael Hunt fired a county detention officer Monday morning after an investigation found that the deputy had purchased beer for an underage neighbor.

William J. Morrissey, 35, of New Ellenton, is accused of buying beer in Aiken on Thursday for 18-year-old Kenneth A. Spoonemore.

Later that night, "Mr. Morrissey contacted the sheriff's office saying that he believed there was alcohol and drug use going on in the home and that a small child was present," sheriff's Lt. Michael Frank said.

Deputies did not find a child, but they found marijuana, drug paraphernalia and the beer, Lt. Frank said.

During the course of the investigation, the department learned that Mr. Morrissey had bought the beer earlier that day.

Mr. Spoonemore was arrested on charges of simple possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and minor in possession of beer. Also arrested was Casey E. Busbee, 20, of New Ellenton, on charges of minor in possession of beer.

The sheriff has asked the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division to investigate the allegations involving Mr. Morrissey, who has been employed with the sheriff's office since August 2004.

South Carolina law makes it a misdemeanor to give beer or wine to a person under 21. A conviction carries up to a $300 fine and up to 30 days in jail.