WINDSOR – A gun found in the restroom of the Bertie-Martin Regional Jail has prompted policy changes.

Bertie County Sheriff John Holley said a loaded weapon was found in the ladies’ bathroom in the lobby of the jail on July 14.

“A jailor found it under the bag in the women’s restroom trash can,” Holley said. “He did an outstanding job of following up on information.”

The sheriff said the public restrooms in the lobby of the Bertie-Martin Regional Jail were open to people who came in to visit the facility, but were not open to the inmates.

He did, however, say he was sure there was a plan to get the weapon inside the jail.

“I’m certain they were trying to get the gun inside the jail,” Holley said. “I believe there was a plan that, thankfully, was intercepted.”

Holley said the jail, which is a regional facility under a board’s supervision and not directly under the auspices of Holley or Martin County Sheriff Dan Gibbs, has made changes to policy which will keep the bathrooms off limits without a pass key.

Because the jail is located in Windsor, the investigation is being headed by the Bertie County Sheriff’s Office. Holley said his investigative unit was handling the case and that more than one person could face charges.

“There are several felony charges that could come from this situation,” Holley said. “There could be charges for the one trying to receive the gun as well as the one who brought it in here. We are talking about some very serious charges.”

Anyone who may have information as to how the weapon was transported inside the jail should contact the Bertie County Sheriff’s Office at 794-5330.