Contraband Arrests at Telfair and Ware State Prisons

As of July 2010, The GDC Office of Professional Standards, in conjunction with local & federal law enforcement partners, have investigated or arrested approximately 819 staff and civilians for introducing contraband into prisons throughout the state.

On May 11, while conducting a perimeter check of the Telfair State Prison fire station, the Portal Sergeant and an officer noticed a white male dressed in camouflage clothing laying near the wood line. The sergeant and officer made contact and instructed the subject to lie on the ground and place both hands behind his back. They placed handcuffs on the subject and he was escorted to the entry building. After giving a false name, he was processed using the Rapid ID and was identified as Charlie Weathersbee. The wooded area was checked and two 20 oz. bottles containing three cell phones, two chargers, an unknown amount of tobacco, and an unknown amount of suspected marijuana were discovered. Weathersbee was arrested by The Telfair Sheriff’s Department.

On May 12, Ware State Prison maintenance staff member Jerry Rouse was arrested by Ware County Sheriff's Office after he admitted to investigators that he had introduced an unspecified amount of marijuana into the facility. A search of his car was conducted, and an unknown amount of suspected marijuana was recovered. The contraband was turned over to investigations.

The Department of Corrections is committed to identifying and pursuing prosecution of those persons who attempt to introduce contraband into state facilities.