On the morning of Saturday, October 12, 2024, deputies in the Davisboro area, along with officers from the Georgia Department of Corrections, discovered a significant amount of contraband that was believed to be intended for delivery to Washington State Prison, possibly through a drone drop. The items seized included 8986 grams of tobacco, 60 grams of methamphetamine, 92.8 grams of ecstasy, 3566 grams of marijuana, 18.5 grams of Adderall, 10 THC vape pens, 3 packages of THC edibles, 15 cell phones, 18 bottles of Promethazine, 11 phone charging cables, 3 phone charging blocks, 16 lighters, 2 phone cases, 2 batteries, 1 shoe, 3 backpacks, 1 pair of sweatpants, 1 sweatshirt, 1 pair of shorts, 5 beanies, 1 JBL speaker, 1 machete, and 1 bolt cutter. The contraband has been collected, and an investigation into its origin is underway.
Then, in the early morning of Sunday, October 13, 2024, deputies patrolling the Davisboro area were alerted to a drone suspected of attempting a contraband drop near the prison. A deputy observed a suspicious white vehicle stopped on Highway 24, close to Washington State Prison. The driver refused to stop when approached by law enforcement, leading to a short pursuit that ended in Jefferson County. Upon stopping the vehicle, officers found several wrapped bundles. Inside, authorities discovered 24 packs of rolling paper, 4 cell phones with chargers, 15 lighters, a pair of black tennis shoes, 1403 grams of tobacco, 382 grams of methamphetamine, and 595 grams of marijuana.
The individuals arrested in connection with this contraband drone drop were identified as Angel Rosemarie Jackson, a 22-year-old from Decatur, Georgia, and Michael Liudel Beasley Jr, 25, from Lithonia, Georgia. Jackson faces multiple charges including fleeing and attempting to elude police, numerous traffic violations, trading with inmates without the consent of the warden, conspiracy to commit a felony, trafficking methamphetamine, and possession of marijuana with intent to distribute. Beasley is also facing charges of trading with inmates without consent, conspiracy to commit a felony, trafficking methamphetamine, and possession of marijuana with intent to distribute.
Another suspect, Jerry Norman, 26, from Fairburn, Georgia, is wanted in connection with the case. He is expected to face charges similar to those of Jackson and Beasley, including trading with inmates, conspiracy, drug trafficking, and possession of marijuana with intent to distribute.
Sheriff Joel Cochran stated, “As Sheriff, I am committed to ensuring the safety of everyone in Washington County, including those inside Washington State Prison. My team works closely with the Department of Corrections and other law enforcement agencies to prevent the entry of contraband into the prison.”
The Sheriff emphasized the danger that illegal items like drugs and weapons pose, not just to inmates but also to prison staff. He noted that the presence of these items can undermine prison security and endanger lives. He explained that the fight against contraband is not just about punishing those involved but about ensuring the safety of all. By intercepting these dangerous goods, law enforcement protects both the prison population and the surrounding community.
Sheriff Cochran concluded, “Our community deserves to know that we are doing everything we can to keep people safe, both inside and outside the prison. We will continue to work hard, build partnerships, and improve our methods to stop contraband and maintain security.”
The Sheriff thanked the Department of Corrections, his staff, and all partner agencies for their dedication to this ongoing effort. “Together, we can ensure everyone’s safety,” Cochran said.
