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Nearly 2 dozen indicted in prison drone drop conspiracy

SAFE … AND NOW BACK WITH FAMILY. /// I’M JUST GRATEFUL TO BE ABLE TO SHARE MY EXPERIENCE AND, YOU KNOW, PUT A VOICE TO IT. FOR THE FIRST TIME TONIGHT. WE’RE HEARING FROM A MAN … WHO SPENT TIME IN THE GEORGIA PRISON SYSTEM … AND EXPERIENCED THE VIOLENCE … WE’VE BEEN REPORTING ON SINCE 2023. HE SAYS … INMATES STABBED HIM MULTIPLE TIMES … LEAVING HIM WITH PERMANENT DAMAGE TO HIS HAND. ITS A STORY YOU’LL ONLY SEE … ON WJCL 22 NEWS. OUR BROOKE BUTLER – REPORTS.// NOT ONLY DOES ALEX STETZ HAVE THIS SCAR ON HIS HAND…(POINT TO MONITOR) HE ALSO HAS MARKS ON HIS SHOULDER, BACK, AND HEAD… AS A RESULT OF THE ATTACK. HE’S SHARING HIS STORY WITH US…IN THE HOPES IT INSPIRES POSITIVE CHANGE. (PKG) 28:51 I’M JUST GRATEFUL TO BE OUT TODAY AND BEING ABLE TO BE A PART OF MY FAMILY’S LIFE AND DO THE RIGHT THINGS, 28:55 ALEX STETZ… HAS BEEN A FREE MAN – FOR A LITTLE OVER A MONTH NOW. HE SPENT A YEAR IN GEORGIA PRISONS FOR A CRIME HE COMMITTED IN 2020. 1:05 IT WAS ONE OF THE MOST IMPACTFUL EXPERIENCES IN MY LIFE, 1:07 EVEN THOUGH HIS TIME IN PRISON WAS SHORT… HE CARRIES PERMANENT REMINDERS…OF HIS TIME BEHIND BARS. 16:40 I’VE GOT NERVE DAMAGE. BOTH OF THESE FINGERS ARE LIKE, NUMB, I CAN’T I CAN’T CLOSE MY HAND ANY MORE THAN THAT. 16;47 SHORTLY AFTER HE ARRIVED AT JACKSON STATE PRISON…A DIAGNOSTIC AND CLASSIFICATION FACILITY….IN JUNE OF 2023 – STETZ SAYS – HE WAS APPROACHED BY A GROUP OF INMATES. 10:03 I HAD 2 OR 3 GANG MEMBERS WITH KNIVES STANDING IN FRONT OF ME, TALKING, TRYING TO EXTORT, MAKING MONEY OUT OF ME 10:11 STETZ SAYS HE TOLD THE MEN HE DIDN’T HAVE ANYTHING FOR THEM…BUT WHEN HE TRIED TO WALK AWAY… 11:13 SOMEONE COMES BEHIND ME, STICKS ME RIGHT IN THE NECK MAN 11:15*** ME: 11:15 SO HOW LONG HAD YOU BEEN IN PRISON AT THAT POINT? 11:18 HIM: 11:18 WELL, I WAS THERE THE WHOLE DAY DURING A DIAGNOSTIC ROUTINE, YOU KNOW, BUT HAD BEEN IN THE HOUSING THIS, LIKE, HOUSING DORMITORY FOR MAYBE 30 MINUTES, YOU KNOW, MAYBE 30 MINUTES. 11:27 ME: 11:27 SO THIS IS DAY ONE. 11:28 HIM: 11:28 YEAH. 11:30 HE SAID THANKFULLY – TWO WORKERS WALKED BY…AS HE WAS BEING ATTACKED… CAUSING PEOPLE TO SCATTER. 13:16 I SAID ‘LISTEN, I’VE BEEN STABBED MULTIPLE TIMES, I’M BLEEDING EVERYWHERE.’ 13:21 THEY TOOK THEIR TIME WALKING UP TO THE GATE AND UNLOCKED IT. 13:25 (I COULD CUT THIS SOT AND THE TRACK BEFORE IT) WHEN HE GOT TO MEDICAL… 13:40 I GET THERE RIGHT? AND THE NURSE, THE CHARGE NURSE IS LIKE, ‘MAN! I JUST GOT THE BLOOD CLEANED UP FROM THE LAST GUY!’ 13:47 THIS IS A COPY OF STETZ’ MEDICAL REPORT. IT STATES STETZ HAD MULTIPLE PUNCTURE WOUNDS ON HIS BACK AND NECK…ALSO CUTS TO HIS HEAD. STETZ SAYS…THE DISCHARGE NURSE AT THE HOSPITAL TOLD HIM – HE WOULD NEED TO SEE A FOLLOW UP SPECIALIST FOR HIS HAND. 14:52 ‘I’VE GOT AN APPOINTMENT SET UP FOR YOU. MAKE SURE THEY GET YOU THERE.’ 14:56 *** BUT HE SAYS…THAT DIDN’T HAPPEN. 15:22 WHEN I WENT TO MEDICAL THE NEXT DAY, OF COURSE, TO CHECK EVERYTHING, AND I TOLD THEM, I SAID, LISTEN, YOU KNOW, I SAID, I GOT A HAND, DOC WITH, AN APPOINTMENT WITH A HAND SPECIALIST. AND THEY WERE LIKE ‘OH, WE DON’T SEE ANYTHING. WE DON’T SEE ANYTHING’, YOU KNOW? 15:31 AFTER ABOUT FOUR WEEKS…INSIDE JACKSON – STETZ WAS MOVED TO ANOTHER FACILITY… ONE HE SAYS…WAS LESS VIOLENT. 17:38 YEAH, IT WAS A WORK CAMP, ACCOUNTING RUN, WORK CAMP. AND THE PEOPLE THERE WERE EXTREMELY KIND AND REALLY DOING THEIR BEST TO MAKE A SAFE AND COMFORTABLE ENVIRONMENT FOR THE INMATES. 17:48** BUT STETZ SAYS…DURING HIS TIME IN THE GEORGIA PRISON SYSTEM… HE NOTICED…THERE OFTEN AREN’T ENOUGH CORRECTIONAL OFFICERS… 7:43 THERE WAS TIMES LIKE ON THE WEEKEND, THERE WERE LITERALLY THREE GUARDS :47 HE ALSO SAID AIR CONDITIONING ISN’T ALWAYS GUARANTEED…. AND BEYOND THAT… 29:20 THE QUALITY OF FOOD AT MAJORITY OF ALL OF THE STATE RUN FACILITIES IS EXTREMELY POOR. :26 HE BELIEVES THOSE ISSUES – COULD BE CONTRIBUTING TO THE VIOLENCE INSIDE FACILITIES LIKE JACKSON. 30:19 WHAT BETTER WAY TO KEEP A POPULACE MISERABLE AND TO KEEP THEM HUNGRY, YOU KNOW, LIKE, OF COURSE THERE’S GOING TO BE FIGHTING AND VIOLENCE 30:25 HE SAYS IF THESE ISSUES WERE ADDRESSED… AND IF PRISONS ADDED MORE PROGRAMMING FOR INMATES… HE BELIEVES FEWER PEOPLE – WOULD WIND UP IN HIS POSITION. 24:10 I’M IN FULL SUPPORT OF PAYING SOME FORM OF DEBT TO SOCIETY, YOU KNOW, BUT THAT SHOULDN’T INCLUDE INHUMANE LIVING CONDITIONS AND FIGHTING FOR YOUR SURVIVAL. 24:19 (TAKE BROOKE MONITOR) WE GOT A STATEMENT FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS REGARDING ALL OF THIS. (TAKE FSG) THEY SAID IN PART QUOTE – IT’S IMPORTANT TO NOTE THAT OUR POPULATION CONSISTS OF 75% VIOLENT OFFENSE CONVICTIONS WITH ALMOST 30% WHO ARE GANG AFFILIATED. INDIVIDUALS WHO COME INTO OUR SYSTEM WITH VIOLENT OFFENSES RARELY GIVE UP THEIR CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES, THEREFORE, OUR STAFF WORK DILIGENTLY EACH AND EVERY DAY IN THESE FACILITIES ENSURING OUR COMMITMENT TO SAFE AND SECURE OPERATIONS REMAINS AT THE FOREFRONT OF OUR MISSION.” (BACK ON CAM) YOU CAN READ WHAT THEY HAD TO SAY ABOUT AIR CONDITIONING… AND THE FOOD QUALITY – ON WJCL BROOKE THANK YOU. DURING HIS TIME IN PRISON … STETZ … WAS PART OF A GEORGIA SOUTHERN COURSE. IT ISSUED A 12 PAGE REPORT … THAT PROVIDED RECOMMENDATIONS … ON HOW TO ADDRESS THE ISSUES … PLAGUING THE STATE PRISON

Federal indictments accuse nearly two dozen defendants of Georgia prison drone drop conspiracy

23 defendants, many of them current inmates, face charges in connection to a widespread conspiracy to use drones to deliver drugs and cell phones to Georgia state prisons.

Above file video: Former Georgia inmate stabbed in a state prison calls for changeNewly unsealed federal indictments accuse nearly two dozen defendants, many of them current inmates, of a widespread conspiracy to use drones to deliver drugs and cell phones to Georgia state prisons. The indictments, USA v. Hall, et al, and USA v. Harris, et al, were unsealed in U.S. District Court.The primary charge in each indictment, conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute marijuana and methamphetamine, carries a statutory penalty of 10 years to life in prison, along with financial penalties and at least five years of supervised release upon completion of any prison term.There is no parole in the federal system.RELATED170+ people have died inside Georgia prisons in 2024. How college students are hoping to fix thatGeorgia Department of Corrections recovers murder-suicide gun. How did it get in Smith State Prison?Indictment: Georgia mayor bought alcohol, left it in ditch for state prison inmates“These indictments identify networks of individuals determined to introduce into prisons controlled substances and other contraband that compromise the safety and security of individuals who are held in those facilities and those employed there, and further endanger members of the outside public,” said U.S. Attorney Jill Steinberg.Operation Night Drop identified two networks of prison inmates and outside conspirators who used drones and other methods to deliver drugs, cell phones and other contraband to Smith State Prison in Glennville, Telfair State Prison in McRae-Helena and other Georgia state prisons.The indictments allege the conspiracies began as early as 2019 and continued through July 2024. The 15 defendants charged with conspiracy in USA v. Hall, et al., are:Alan Hall, a/k/a “Strong,” a/k/a “Krook,” 44, currently incarcerated at the Georgia Diagnostic and Classification Prison in JacksonDeivon Waller, a/k/a “Hitman,” a/k/a “VP,” 33, currently incarcerated at the Georgia Diagnostic and Classification Prison in JacksonTravious Bateman, a/k/a “Nut,” 39, of Covington. Bateman was in the custody of the Georgia Department of Corrections until March 7, 2022Asa Ward, a/k/a “Foolay,” 28, currently incarcerated at the Georgia Diagnostic and Classification Prison in JacksonDevonn Collins, a/k/a “Vonn,” 28, of Locust Grove. Collins was in the custody of the Georgia Department of Corrections until Feb. 12, 2019, and again from Sept. 5, 2019 to April 14, 2020Torlandus Fuller, a/k/a “Mustafa$upa,” 33, of Lithonia. Fuller was in the custody of the Georgia Department of Corrections until Oct. 1, 2021Martin Holmes, a/k/a “The Mayor,” 33, currently incarcerated at Macon State Prison in OglethorpeRaymond Razo, a/k/a “Flako,” 36, currently incarcerated at Telfair State Prison in McRae-HelenaAnisha Usher, 38, of CovingtonMarquez Chandler, 25, of Conyers. Chandler was in the custody of the Georgia Department of Corrections from Nov. 9, 2021 to June 2, 2023Chad Henry, 26, of ConyersKatrina Hampton, 28, of Killeen, TexasJamar Hill, 37, of Tucker. Hill was in the custody of the Georgia Department of Corrections until Feb. 3, 2020, and again from Dec. 15, 2020 to Jan. 6, 2022Raane Onessimo, 29, of Powder SpringsDonald Pate, 51, of Valdosta. Pate was in the custody of the Georgia Department of Corrections from Jan. 3, 2019 to Jan. 6, 2021Seven of the eight defendants named in USA v. Harris, et al., are charged with conspiracy.Robert Harris, a/k/a “Messiah,” a/k/a “Dean,” 32, currently incarcerated at Macon State Prison in OglethorpeKelvin Rogers, a/k/a “Gangsta,” 38, currently incarcerated at Smith State Prison in GlennvilleQuinton Samples, a/k/a “JR,” 29, of Atlanta. Samples was in the custody of the Georgia Department of Corrections until March 10, 2022Thomas Cothran, a/k/a “Shoota,” a/k/a “Tee,” 37, currently incarcerated at Ware State Prison in WaycrossQuintaveous Samples, a/k/a “Peewee,” 26, of JonesboroQuinesha Oliver, 27, of JonesboroTristahn Ash, a/k/a “Mohawk,” 27, currently incarcerated at the Metro Reentry Facility in Atlanta. Ash had been in custody of the Georgia Department of Corrections prior to the start of indictment, was released on Aug. 5, 2020, and reentered Department of Corrections custody on May 11, 2023The eighth defendant, David Williams, 35, of Atlanta, is charged along with Ash with possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and possession of a firearm in furtherance of the drug trafficking crime.This is a developing story. Check back for updates RELATEDJailers arrested, accused of sneaking contraband into Georgia prison plagued by violence, corruption’A piece of my heart is gone’: Lawsuit claims Georgia prison inmate, 27, died from heat exposureGeorgia prison problems: 911 calls reveal violence at Rogers State Prison

STATESBORO, Ga. —

Above file video: Former Georgia inmate stabbed in a state prison calls for change

Newly unsealed federal indictments accuse nearly two dozen defendants, many of them current inmates, of a widespread conspiracy to use drones to deliver drugs and cell phones to Georgia state prisons.

The indictments, USA v. Hall, et al, and USA v. Harris, et al, were unsealed in U.S. District Court.

The primary charge in each indictment, conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute marijuana and methamphetamine, carries a statutory penalty of 10 years to life in prison, along with financial penalties and at least five years of supervised release upon completion of any prison term.

There is no parole in the federal system.

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“These indictments identify networks of individuals determined to introduce into prisons controlled substances and other contraband that compromise the safety and security of individuals who are held in those facilities and those employed there, and further endanger members of the outside public,” said U.S. Attorney Jill Steinberg.

Operation Night Drop identified two networks of prison inmates and outside conspirators who used drones and other methods to deliver drugs, cell phones and other contraband to Smith State Prison in Glennville, Telfair State Prison in McRae-Helena and other Georgia state prisons.

The indictments allege the conspiracies began as early as 2019 and continued through July 2024.

The 15 defendants charged with conspiracy in USA v. Hall, et al., are:

  • Alan Hall, a/k/a “Strong,” a/k/a “Krook,” 44, currently incarcerated at the Georgia Diagnostic and Classification Prison in Jackson
  • Deivon Waller, a/k/a “Hitman,” a/k/a “VP,” 33, currently incarcerated at the Georgia Diagnostic and Classification Prison in Jackson
  • Travious Bateman, a/k/a “Nut,” 39, of Covington. Bateman was in the custody of the Georgia Department of Corrections until March 7, 2022
  • Asa Ward, a/k/a “Foolay,” 28, currently incarcerated at the Georgia Diagnostic and Classification Prison in Jackson
  • Devonn Collins, a/k/a “Vonn,” 28, of Locust Grove. Collins was in the custody of the Georgia Department of Corrections until Feb. 12, 2019, and again from Sept. 5, 2019 to April 14, 2020
  • Torlandus Fuller, a/k/a “Mustafa$upa,” 33, of Lithonia. Fuller was in the custody of the Georgia Department of Corrections until Oct. 1, 2021
  • Martin Holmes, a/k/a “The Mayor,” 33, currently incarcerated at Macon State Prison in Oglethorpe
  • Raymond Razo, a/k/a “Flako,” 36, currently incarcerated at Telfair State Prison in McRae-Helena
  • Anisha Usher, 38, of Covington
  • Marquez Chandler, 25, of Conyers. Chandler was in the custody of the Georgia Department of Corrections from Nov. 9, 2021 to June 2, 2023
  • Chad Henry, 26, of Conyers
  • Katrina Hampton, 28, of Killeen, Texas
  • Jamar Hill, 37, of Tucker. Hill was in the custody of the Georgia Department of Corrections until Feb. 3, 2020, and again from Dec. 15, 2020 to Jan. 6, 2022
  • Raane Onessimo, 29, of Powder Springs
  • Donald Pate, 51, of Valdosta. Pate was in the custody of the Georgia Department of Corrections from Jan. 3, 2019 to Jan. 6, 2021

Seven of the eight defendants named in USA v. Harris, et al., are charged with conspiracy.

  • Robert Harris, a/k/a “Messiah,” a/k/a “Dean,” 32, currently incarcerated at Macon State Prison in Oglethorpe
  • Kelvin Rogers, a/k/a “Gangsta,” 38, currently incarcerated at Smith State Prison in Glennville
  • Quinton Samples, a/k/a “JR,” 29, of Atlanta. Samples was in the custody of the Georgia Department of Corrections until March 10, 2022
  • Thomas Cothran, a/k/a “Shoota,” a/k/a “Tee,” 37, currently incarcerated at Ware State Prison in Waycross
  • Quintaveous Samples, a/k/a “Peewee,” 26, of Jonesboro
  • Quinesha Oliver, 27, of Jonesboro
  • Tristahn Ash, a/k/a “Mohawk,” 27, currently incarcerated at the Metro Reentry Facility in Atlanta. Ash had been in custody of the Georgia Department of Corrections prior to the start of indictment, was released on Aug. 5, 2020, and reentered Department of Corrections custody on May 11, 2023

The eighth defendant, David Williams, 35, of Atlanta, is charged along with Ash with possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and possession of a firearm in furtherance of the drug trafficking crime.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates

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