Commissioner: Gregory C. Dozier

Director of Public Affairs: Joan Heath

Attempts to cross guard lines with 5.5 ounces of marijuana and 2 ounces of meth

FORSYTH, Ga. –On August 22, Conseulla Cooper took a plea deal of 15 years with five to serve after crossing the guard line at Georgia Diagnostic and Classification Prison (GDCP) with contraband. Cooper attempted to smuggle 5.5 ounces of marijuana and 2 ounces of methamphetamine into the facility on June 18, 2016, and was charged with one count of crossing the guard line with contraband items, one count possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, and one count of trafficking methamphetamine. The case was investigated by the GDC Office of Professional Standards (OPS) Investigations Unit.

“We continue our fight to be ‘tough on crime from within’, and eliminate contraband from entering the walls of our facilities,” said Commissioner Gregory C. Dozier. “The arrest and charges brought against this individual is yet another reminder that we will catch you if you attempt to introduce contraband into our facilities.”

On June 18, 2016, when Cooper attempted to enter GDCP, the shift officer noticed a strong odor of marijuana. Local authorities were contacted after she refused a search of her person and began to cause a disturbance. When Butts County Sherriff’s Office arrived on the scene, a deputy observed a female, matching Cooper’s description, exiting the facility. The deputy kept a visual on Cooper and observed her tossing items under an SUV and stuffing items into the bumper. When the deputy made contact with the female, identified as Consuella Cooper, he located approximately three electrical taped balls of what smelled like marijuana on the ground by the SUV. Additionally, Cooper later provided one other taped ball from her person. Following the discovery of the contraband, a decision was made by a GDC Special Agent to have the female transported to the Butts County Jail. An investigation by the GDC OPS ultimately led to Coopers indictment in the Butts County Court, and sequential plea deal.

The GDC has one of the largest prison systems in the U.S. and is responsible for supervising nearly 52,000 state prisoners. It is the largest law enforcement agency in the state with approximately 10,500 employees.

For more information on the GDC call 478-992-5248 or visit https://gdc.georgia.gov.