4 days ago
Three arrested in Fulton County Jail smuggling attempt
The Brief
Significant contraband was seized at Fulton County jail facilities, including cigarettes, marijuana, cell phones, and tools for smuggling.
Three individuals were arrested at the South Annex facility with contraband and face multiple charges; they were released on surety bond.
Authorities emphasize vigilance in maintaining jail security and encourage the public to report smuggling attempts to Crime Stoppers Atlanta.
ATLANTA - Authorities seized a significant amount of contraband during separate incidents at Fulton County jail facilities this week, officials announced Thursday.
A Fulton County Sheriff's Office sergeant assigned to the K-9 unit discovered a breach in the perimeter fence at the Rice Street Jail on the morning of June 5.
What we know
Investigators later found a hole in an exterior window of the jail, prompting a full search of a nearby housing unit. The following items were recovered during the operation:
32 packs of cigarettes
5 bags of loose cigarettes (99 total)
8 packs of rolling paper
5 lighters
10 baggies of suspected marijuana (approximately 1 pound)
3 cell phone chargers
4 cell phones
1 digital scale
The day before, on June 4, three individuals — identified as Matthew Abdul-Baqi, Malachi Abdul-Baqi, and Asia Henry — were arrested at the South Annex facility in Union City after deputies found them near a hole in the perimeter fence with a cutting tool and a bag of suspected contraband. Among the seized items were:
5 packs of cigarettes
5 cell phones
11 cell phone chargers
2 vapes
10 McDonald's cheeseburgers
5 oatmeal raisin cookies
1 hammer
1 set of bolt cutters
Approximately 70 grams of marijuana
Assorted candy
Jail records show all three suspects face multiple charges, including conspiracy to commit a felony, interference with government property, possession of tools for the commission of a crime, and marijuana-related offenses. Each was released on surety bond.
What they're saying
Officials said none of the items made it into the South Annex facility and there is currently no evidence linking the two incidents. However, the Sheriff's Office emphasized the importance of vigilance and continued efforts to maintain jail security.
What you can do
Anyone with information regarding these or other attempts to smuggle contraband into Fulton County facilities is urged to contact Crime Stoppers Atlanta. Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling 404-577-TIPS (8477), texting "CSGA" to 738477, using the P3 Tips mobile app, or visiting Tips leading to an arrest may be eligible for a reward of up to $5,000.
SEE ALSO:
Fulton County Jail faces renewed scrutiny after two inmate deaths in as many week
Chicken sandwiches, drugs, cellphones among Fulton County Jail contraband
3 Fulton County Jail officers fired, charged with mistreatment of inmates
Dept. of Justice, Fulton County agree to work together to fix Fulton County Jail
Ex-Fulton County jail workers charged for giving inmates phones and cigarettes
The Source
The Fulton County Sheriff's Office provided the details and mug shots for this article.
