Washington County Sheriff’s Deputies have continued to successfully apprehend individuals attempting to deliver contraband via drone into Washington State Prison in Georgia.

At 10:20 P.M. on December 17, 2023, a Washington County Deputy identified a suspicious vehicle during a security check near the Dollar General store in Davisboro, Georgia. Upon closer inspection, it was discovered that the driver had transported an individual to Davisboro, facilitating a contraband drop-off via drone at Washington State Prison. Shortly after that, law enforcement apprehended the second party nearby. K9 Lulu successfully located the drone and contraband near the location where the suspect was taken into custody.

Photograph of contraband recovered by the Washington County Sheriff's Office on December 17, 2023. (Image Credit: Washington County Sheriff's Office)
Photograph of contraband recovered by the Washington County Sheriff’s Office on December 17, 2023. (Image Credit: Washington County Sheriff’s Office)

 

Hillary Jackson, 31, from Brunswick, Georgia, was arrested and charged with Trading with Inmates (Felony), Items Prohibited by Inmates (Felony), Illegal use of an Unmanned Aircraft System (Felony), and Possession of Marijuana less than an Ounce (Misdemeanor).

Jonathan Lodge, 35, from Camilla, Georgia, was also arrested and charged with Trading with Inmates (Felony), Items Prohibited by Inmates (Felony), Illegal use of an Unmanned Aircraft System (Felony), and Pills to be kept in Original Container (Misdemeanor). Additionally, Lodge was found to have an Outstanding Probation Warrant from Decatur for Aggravated Assault.

Photograph of contraband wrapped up for delivery
Photograph of contraband wrapped for delivery into Washington State Prison on December 17, 2023. (Image Credit: Washington County Sheriff’s Office)

 

“I want to let potential wrongdoers know that the Washington County Sheriff’s Office is committed to apprehending and charging those involved in smuggling contraband into the prison,” commented Washington County Sheriff Joel Cochran. “Our priority is to uphold the safety and security of both the community and the individuals within the facility.”

This arrest follows a successful apprehension earlier this month. On December 6, 2023, Washington County Deputies were alerted to a drone drop at Washington State Prison. Subsequent investigation led to identifying a suspicious vehicle near Highway 231 and South Sparta Davisboro Road. A traffic stop by a Washington County Deputy along South Sparta Davisboro Road revealed evidence connected to the prison incident, and the Georgia Department of Corrections recovered the contraband dropped at the prison earlier.

Find additional corrections news and resources at the C-UAS Hub Corrections Sector Page.

Post Image- Washington County Deputy and K9 Lulu pose with a recovered DJI Inspire drone and contraband (Image Credit: Washington County Sheriff’s Office)