Officers and detectives with the Milledgeville Police Department successfully intercepted a contraband drop Jan. 1 intended for Baldwin State Prison.
During the investigation, officers identified and intercepted a large drone being used to transport illegal contraband into the facility. As a result of the operation, investigators seized the drone, with more than $8,000 and additional contraband items intended for delivery into the prison.
Multiple subjects were taken into custody in connection with this incident and have been charged accordingly. Jeffery Young, 39, of Lagrange, was charged with use of an unmanned aircraft to deliver or attempt to deliver contraband, attempt or conspiracy to introduce contraband, and aiding, abetting, or conspiring in the use of an unmanned aircraft to deliver contraband.
Cardell Merrick, 48, of Lagrange, was charged with the use of unmanned aircraft to deliver or attempt to deliver contraband, attempt or conspiracy to introduce contraband, aiding, and abetting, or conspiring in the use of an unmanned aircraft to deliver contraband.
Nikita Swanson, 48, of Lagrange, was charged with attempt or conspiracy to introduce contraband, and aiding, abetting, or conspiring in the use of an unmanned aircraft to deliver contraband.
The Milledgeville Police Department continues to work closely with the Georgia Department of Corrections and its Office of Professional Standards to identify, investigate, and prevent attempts to introduce contraband into correctional facilities. These coordinated efforts are vital to maintaining the safety and security of correctional staff, inmates, and the surrounding community.
This investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges may be forthcoming.
-Contributed