Augusta Man Arrested Near Washington State Prison with Drugs and Contraband
A 22-year-old man was arrested near Washington State Prison on April 2, 2025, after being found with drugs and contraband.
At 11:41 A.M., Washington County Sheriff’s Deputies were alerted to a suspicious male carrying bags near the prison. Deputies, along with a Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) K9 unit, responded to the area.
The suspect, Jamel Barnes, of Augusta, was apprehended at 12:05 P.M. in a field east of the prison by law enforcement and the GDC K9.
Barnes was arrested and charged with:
- 3 counts of Possession of Controlled Substance With Intent to Distribute (felony)
- Trading With Inmates Without Authorization of the Warden (felony)
- 4 counts of Items Prohibited by Inmates (felony)
- Criminal Trespass (misdemeanor)
- Giving a False Name (misdemeanor)
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office highlighted the swift arrest as a result of strong teamwork with GDC personnel. They also issued a warning to those intending to engage in illegal activities in the area. “We want those with ill intentions to understand that this collaboration and effort will persist. If you don’t want to spend a significant amount of time behind bars, stay out of Washington County if you’re planning to engage in illegal activities,” the Sheriff’s Office stated.
