Four Suspects Arrested In Prison Smuggling Operation
As we have been reporting, a Newberry County Sheriff’s Deputy working a traffic assignment on I-26 Thursday morning around 1:00 am observed a vehicle traveling East at 105 mph. The Deputy was able to catch up to the vehicle and effect a traffic stop. As the Deputy was approaching the vehicle, he noticed a firearm was being concealed in the dash pocket by one of the four occupants. In addition, the Deputy could smell a strong odor believed to be marijuana emitting from the 2005 Ford Focus.
Once backup arrived, the subjects were asked to step out of the vehicle. The Deputies observed one of the suspects armed with a pistol concealed in his waistband. Further investigation showed that there were several packages in the back seat covered with camouflaged tape, which is consistent to a contraband smuggling operation. Further investigation revealed a large quantity of cell phones, tobacco in various states, knives, marijuana, and narcotic drugs.
In addition to the drugs and contraband, a drone with spare batteries was in the vehicle equipped with a rope and D ring, all indicators of a prison smuggling operation.
The following were illegal items found inside the vehicle as the investigation continued:
2 OUNCES OF METHAMPHETAMINE
1 POUND 23 OUNCES OF MARIJUANA
10 SUBOXONE FILM
3 PISTOLS
10 CELL PHONES
$658.00 IN CURRENCY
1 DRONE 7 BATTERIES
2 GOOGLE CHROMECAST FOR TV
SEVERAL PHONE CHARGERS
SEVERAL LIGHTERS
LOOSE TOBACCO
An investigation conducted by the Sheriff’s Office determined that the items were destined for a SC Department of Corrections Prison. The drone was equipped to deliver the items of contraband into the secured part of a prison complex.
The Newberry County Sheriff’s Office are continuing the investigation with SLED, SC Department of Corrections, and ATF.
Sheriff Foster said he is happy to be able to help in stopping illegal and dangerous items into the prison system, however, investigators are very concerned about the pistols involved.
Kristin Nicole Jackson, 24, of Pickens, Marquis Malcom Massey, 20, of Greenville, Krystian McKenzie Cohen, 20, of Roebuck, and Travell Lewis Peterson, 22, of Spartanburg have been arrested and charged with Trafficking in Methamphetamine, Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana, Possession of Controlled Substances, and Possession of a Weapon During a Violent Crime. In addition the four are charged with Attempting to Furnish Contraband to Prisoners and Criminal Conspiracy. Jackson was also charged with Speeding 105/70 mph zone. Further charges were being determined at the time of this press release late Thursday afternoon.
All subjects are in detention awaiting on bond hearings and are considered innocent until proven guilty by the courts.
As we have been reporting, a Newberry County Sheriff’s Deputy working a traffic assignment on I-26 Thursday morning around 1:00 am observed a vehicle traveling East at 105 mph. The Deputy was able to catch up to the vehicle and effect a traffic stop. As the Deputy was approaching the vehicle, he noticed a firearm was being concealed in the dash pocket by one of the four occupants. In addition, the Deputy could smell a strong odor believed to be marijuana emitting from the 2005 Ford Focus.
Once backup arrived, the subjects were asked to step out of the vehicle. The Deputies observed one of the suspects armed with a pistol concealed in his waistband. Further investigation showed that there were several packages in the back seat covered with camouflaged tape, which is consistent to a contraband smuggling operation. Further investigation revealed a large quantity of cell phones, tobacco in various states, knives, marijuana, and narcotic drugs.
In addition to the drugs and contraband, a drone with spare batteries was in the vehicle equipped with a rope and D ring, all indicators of a prison smuggling operation.
The following were illegal items found inside the vehicle as the investigation continued:
2 OUNCES OF METHAMPHETAMINE
1 POUND 23 OUNCES OF MARIJUANA
10 SUBOXONE FILM
3 PISTOLS
10 CELL PHONES
$658.00 IN CURRENCY
1 DRONE 7 BATTERIES
2 GOOGLE CHROMECAST FOR TV
SEVERAL PHONE CHARGERS
SEVERAL LIGHTERS
LOOSE TOBACCO
An investigation conducted by the Sheriff’s Office determined that the items were destined for a SC Department of Corrections Prison. The drone was equipped to deliver the items of contraband into the secured part of a prison complex.
The Newberry County Sheriff’s Office are continuing the investigation with SLED, SC Department of Corrections, and ATF.
Sheriff Foster said he is happy to be able to help in stopping illegal and dangerous items into the prison system, however, investigators are very concerned about the pistols involved.
Kristin Nicole Jackson, 24, of Pickens, Marquis Malcom Massey, 20, of Greenville, Krystian McKenzie Cohen, 20, of Roebuck, and Travell Lewis Peterson, 22, of Spartanburg have been arrested and charged with Trafficking in Methamphetamine, Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana, Possession of Controlled Substances, and Possession of a Weapon During a Violent Crime. In addition the four are charged with Attempting to Furnish Contraband to Prisoners and Criminal Conspiracy. Jackson was also charged with Speeding 105/70 mph zone. Further charges were being determined at the time of this press release late Thursday afternoon.
All subjects are in detention awaiting on bond hearings and are considered innocent until proven guilty by the courts.
