Fearful they'd be accused of disseminating child pornography, possibly losing their military careers, more than 442 service members handed over more than US$560,000 ($814.680) total, authorities said.
Lydon said the victims come from all branches and ranks of the military. According to Goodridge, more than 250 other cases were being investigated for potential extortion as part of "Operation Surprise Party," which his agency began in January 2017.
"This operation will continue until we break the back of these criminal networks," he said.
Inmates aren't allowed to have cellphones behind bars, although thousands are smuggled inside each year. Corrections Director Bryan Stirling has long called illegally obtained cellphones the No. 1 security threat inside his institutions, as they allow inmates the unmonitored ability to communicate and potentially continue their criminal endeavours.
Officials have said a deadly riot earlier this year at Lee Correctional Institution was in part a turf war over contraband including cellphones.
"We do not lock up criminals only to have them go to prison and continue their criminal conduct," Lydon said. "It is the unfettered use of contraband cellphones that allows inmates to continue harming the citizens of South Carolina."
- AP