A South Carolina man pleaded guilty in McCormick County (SC) court last week to trafficking drugs via drone in two separate incidents at two South Carolina Department of Corrections (SCDC) institutions.
Brian Francis Williams Jr., 32, pleaded guilty to:
- Two counts of trafficking in methamphetamine/cocaine 28‐100 grams. He was sentenced to 10 years on each count to run concurrently with each other.
- Attempting to furnish prisoners with contraband. He was sentenced to 10 years suspended to three years probation, to run consecutively.
- Possession of marijuana with intent to distribute. He was sentenced to five years to run concurrently with the other sentences.
In December 2022, Williams operated a drone carrying methamphetamine, crack, LSD, marijuana, and various contraband into McCormick Correctional Institution. Subsequently, he was arrested, charged with multiple offenses, posted bail, and equipped with an ankle monitor.
Not wanting to be labeled a quitter, he was arrested again in March 2023 for piloting a drone into Ridgeland Correctional Institution while released on bond. The intercepted drone was transporting illicit substances, including fentanyl, methamphetamine, five pounds of marijuana, and other contraband.
“SCDC faces nightly attacks by drone, and our officers work very hard to arrest and prosecute these criminals,” SCDC Director Bryan Stirling said. “I want to thank everyone involved in bringing this criminal to justice.”
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