On November 17, 2023, another successful South Carolina prison drone interdiction was reported by the Marlboro County Sheriff’s Office. The agency responded to a call at Evans Correctional Institution on Hwy 9 West regarding a drone flying a package over the prison. Before their arrival, South Carolina Department of Corrections (SCDC) prison officials reported that the drone was headed towards Saddle Brook Rd. Upon reaching the area, Deputies collaborated with SCDC Officials, who informed them that the drone had moved into the woods behind the prison.

With this information, a Marlboro County Deputy noticed a dark SUV emerging from behind the prison. Given the late hour and the nature of the call, a lawful traffic stop was initiated on the vehicle. Upon approaching, a drone was observed in the trunk area, prompting the request for additional Deputies.

Following an initial investigation and consultation with SCDC about the specifics of the dropped package, it was confirmed that the occupants were responsible for its delivery. The package contained various items deemed contraband in the prison system, including 100 grams of Marijuana and 55 grams of Methamphetamine. Additionally, a DJI Inspire 2 Drone was confiscated during the recovery.

The female driver, Jada Young, faced charges of Criminal Conspiracy and Introducing Contraband into a State Facility. The passenger, identified as Dorian Mallory, faced charges of Trafficking Methamphetamine (3rd Offense), Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana, Criminal Conspiracy, and Introducing Contraband into a State Facility.

At a bond hearing conducted on Friday, Young received a $10,000 Surety bond, while Mallory received a $175,000 Surety bond.

Two weeks before this incident, the same law enforcement agencies were involved in the successful apprehension of two individuals who were charged with trafficking of methamphetamines into the same correctional institution.

For additional information and resources related to the airspace awareness and protection challenge at prisons, jails, and correctional institutions, please visit the Corrections Counter-UAS sector page.

Post Image Credit: Marlboro County Sheriff’s Office (South Carolina)