Four men are in jail after allegedly attempting to drop drugs into an area prison camp using a drone.
Jadynn Richardson, Xavian Clay, Jonathan Hinnay and Javonte Chapman are all being held under secured bonds in the June 2 incident. They were each charged with three counts of trafficking in opiates; possession with intent to manufacture, sell and deliver narcotics and marijuana; manufacturing drugs; nine counts each of conspiracy to traffic opiates and felony conspiracy; and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia. Richardson was also charged with maintaining a vehicle for drug activities. Chatman was out on bond for unrelated charges at the time, so he was held without bond.
The sheriff’s office said in a press release that deputies responding to a prowler call near Columbus Correctional stopped Richardson’s vehicle on Harrelsonville Road. The caller said multiple individuals were trespassing on prison property. The caller was able to provide descriptions of the suspects and vehicle, the press release said.
Deputies called the Vice/Narcotics unit for assistance. Investigators reportedly found 36 grams of THC wax, two grams of marijuana, 17.44 grams of suspected K2 infused paper, and 6.32 grams of sublingual film, an opioid product. The wax was found packaged in a glove, the report said.
A drone was also located in the glove compartment. Investigators said the drone was believed to be prepared for smuggling drugs into the prison.
“As the investigation continued,” the release said, “Vice/Narcotics detectives reviewed monitored telephone calls involving inmates housed at Columbus Correctional Institution.
“Investigators identified multiple conversations referencing the planned delivery of narcotics using a drone, including discussions concerning the types and quantities of substances to be delivered.”
All suspected controlled substances recovered during the investigation were submitted to the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office Evidence Division for processing, testing, and secure storage in accordance with agency policy.
