Latest news with #GDOC
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
2 accused of trying to smuggle fake cash, drugs during attempted contraband drop at GA prison
Two people were arrested after officials said they caught them trying to smuggle contraband into a Georgia prison. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Recently, the Georgia Department of Corrections made two arrests during a contraband attempt at Macon State Prison. Their ages and identities were not released. It appeared the suspects used reusable grocery bags to hide the items. TRENDING STORIES: 1 dead, 11 injured after dozens of shots fired in North Carolina, officials say 8-year-old dies days after being pulled from GA lake GA mayor, wife charged with crimes against children Officials said they found the following items: 2,299 grams of marijuana 19,956 grams of tobacco 32 cell phones 12 charger blocks 31 charging cables Pair of earbuds USB drive Five vapes A pair of shoes A wallet containing $420 in suspected fake $20 bills and $143 in real cash "Contraband behind the wire is an ongoing battle inside our facilities. Thanks to our GDC staff and law enforcement partners who work tirelessly as they battle contraband daily," the GDOC said. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Yahoo
17-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
ICE partners with Georgia state troopers for immigrant training
Gov. Brian Kemp announced the Georgia Department of Public Safety would be strengthening its partnership with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement through a new training program. Kemp's office said that DPS Commissioner Billy Hitchens has asked for all 1,100 state troopers and other sworn officers in the department be trained by ICE to 'better assist in identifying and apprehending illegal aliens who pose a risk to public safety in the state.' That means they'll be participating in what's called the 287(g) Program, which authorizes ICE to delegate some of its authority for immigration officer functions to state and local law enforcement via the federal Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act. 'If you are in our country illegally and committing crimes, you have no place in Georgia,' Kemp said in a statement. 'This is another commonsense measure on top of those we've taken since I first took office to further enable hardworking law enforcement to assist in identifying and apprehending illegal aliens who pose a risk to public safety.' [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] TRENDING STORIES: Gwinnett 16-year-old missing for over 1 year found safe At least 1 tornado confirmed in Paulding County Fani Willis, Fulton DA's office given 30 days to pay $54K for open records act violations He also thanked the current White House administration of President Donald Trump for 'recognizing the gravity of this issue and prioritizing keeping Americans safe by securing the border and cracking down on illegal immigration.' The Georgia Department of Corrections is already a 287(g) participant, according to the governor's office, through the Jail Enforcement Model. The agreement between ICE and the State of Georgia was renewed in 2019 and 2020. Officials said that last week, ICE contacted the GDOC requesting two additional corrections officers to assist in the deportation of undocumented immigrants who have committed crimes as part of the current 287(g) agreement. Right now, the department has a sergeant and three GDOC officers assigned to the program's measures. The governor's office said the state's corrections department has about 1,730 'criminals on ICE detainers who have been taken off the streets' in their custody. 'We take the safety of Georgians and travelers to this state very seriously,' Hitchens said in a statement. 'This training and collaboration between agencies increases our ability to keep our communities safe. Identifying those who pose a threat and who are not in our country legally through education and interagency communication allows us to serve our citizens to the best of our ability, which is ultimately our goal.' [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Yahoo
16-02-2025
- Yahoo
Man allegedly involved in prison drops across GA charged with trafficking meth
A Georgia couple was arrested after deputies said they were trafficking meth. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] On Feb. 5, the Georgia Department of Corrections was notified that Jeremiah Shad Garnto, 35, may have been involved in conducting prison drops at multiple prisons across the state. Johnson County officials said Garnto has a history of conducting prison drops, along with serving time in prison for it. Authorities said they received information that the 35-year-old had a large drone and other items related to prison drops. The following day, the GDOC, JCSO and other law enforcement agencies went to Garnto's home on Bill Garnto Road in Johnson County. TRENDING STORIES: PHOTOS: Severe storms leave damage across parts of metro Atlanta Georgia power outages: Thousands of households impacted by early morning storms 10-year-old shot in the head at the drive-thru of GA McDonald's Garnto had a Fourth Amendment search waiver to search him and his home, authorities said. During the search of the home, deputies said they found a large plastic bag containing suspected methamphetamine (1.5 pounds) in plain sight. Officials also found a gun stolen in Laurens County, a large drone and another gun. Charlie Gail Hillis, 30, Garnto's girlfriend was inside the house during the search. Hillis is charged with trafficking in methamphetamine and possession of a stolen firearm. Garnto later turned himself into the Johnson County Sheriff's Office and was charged with trafficking in methamphetamine and possession of a stolen firearm. More charges are pending as the case remains active and ongoing. 'We hope to send a collective message that those involved in illegal activities, particularly those related to drugs and firearms, could face significant consequences,' Sheriff Greg Rowland said. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
