Arrests were being made across the state Thursday morning as about four dozen current and former state prison guards were told they face drug smuggling and bribery charges.
The charges are outlined in six federal indictments, which have recently been unsealed, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported. The U.S. Attorney's Office in Atlanta plans an afternoon press conference to announce the charges.
The indictments are part of a continuing crackdown to rid the state prison system of drugs, corruption and contraband cell phones which are being used by inmates to commit crimes outside the prison walls.
The new indictments allege corruption by guards from Phillips, Macon, Dooly, Hancock, Pulaski and Baldwin state prisons. Five of the guards being charged were members of Hancock State Prison’s tactical team, which works to rid the prison of contraband.
According to the indictments, the guards allegedly smuggled in multiple kilograms of methamphetamine and cocaine in exchange for thousands of dollars in bribes. The guards will be making their first appearances in federal court throughout the day.
About the Author
