WASHINGTON COUNTY, Ga. – A 22-year-old Augusta man was arrested Wednesday after being caught near Washington State Prison with bags containing contraband intended for inmates.
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office reported that deputies responded to a tip about a suspicious individual walking near the prison at approximately 11:41 a.m. With the help of a Georgia Department of Corrections K9 unit, officers located the suspect, Jamel Barnes, in a field east of the facility. He was taken into custody shortly before noon.
Barnes faces multiple charges, including three counts of possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute, four counts of furnishing prohibited items to inmates, trading with inmates without authorization, criminal trespass, and providing a false name to law enforcement.
Sheriff Joel Cochran praised the swift response of law enforcement and reiterated the department’s dedication to ensuring the safety and security of the prison.
“We want individuals with malicious intent to know that our collaborative efforts to prevent illegal activities will continue,” Cochran stated. “If you don’t want to spend a long time behind bars, stay out of Washington County.”
