Probe of illegal drugs delivered by drone at West Virginia prison nets 11 arrests

WELCH, W.Va. — Eleven suspects have been arrested in an investigation into illegal drugs allegedly delivered by drones at a federal prison in southern West Virginia. Another man under investigation who was fleeing officers was later found dead, authorities said.

McDowell County Sheriff James Muncy said his office was contacted in November by officials at the medium-security Federal Correctional Institution, McDowell in Welch, to assist with increased drone use in the area. In December, the sheriff’s office received several tips about drone deliveries.

Muncy said in a statement Friday that the arrests took place from mid-December to early February. The charges include introducing or attempting to introduce contraband into a correctional facility, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, unlawful operation of a drone, acts of terrorism and criminal conspiracy.

Muncy did not say what drugs were allegedly flown into the facility or whether those arrested there were inmates.

A Louisville, Kentucky man wanted on an outstanding warrant in the investigation fled on foot on February 9. Members of the sheriff’s office found him dead on February 15. The statement did not indicate where he was found, and his body was found. sent to the state medical examiner for an autopsy.

One of the arrested suspects is a juvenile, Muncy said. In addition, two suspects were charged with assault and battery on an officer and fleeing on foot. Another suspect in the case was accused of being a fugitive from Pennsylvania.

Most of the suspects were still being held Monday at the Southwestern Regional Jail in Holden. Jail records do not indicate whether they have attorneys who could comment on the charges.