Three Arrested for Drone Contraband Delivery Attempt Near Washington State Prison
On June 11, 2025, deputies from the Washington County Sheriff’s Office were alerted to unauthorized drone activity in the vicinity of Washington State Prison. Deputies immediately launched an operation to locate the drone operators, tracing the drones to a wooded area approximately two miles from the prison grounds.
Using a combination of local K9 units and K9 teams from the Georgia Department of Corrections, law enforcement followed a trail through dense woods to a clearing where three individuals were found operating multiple drones. One drone was actively hovering overhead at the time of the arrest.
The suspects were identified as Dylan Scrutchins, 32, of Acworth; William White, 37, of Stone Mountain; and Johnathan James, 51, who is homeless. All three were taken into custody without incident.
The suspects face multiple felony charges, including:
- Six counts of Trading with Inmates
- Two counts of Illegal Use of Unmanned Aircraft
- One count of Possession of Tools During the Commission of a Crime
- One count of Possession of Methamphetamine
- One count of Possession of Heroin
The investigation revealed that the drones were being used to deliver contraband, including illegal drugs and tools, into the prison.
Sheriff Joel Cochran addressed the ongoing problem, noting this is not the first time deputies have intercepted drone deliveries at the prison. “Despite multiple arrests and public warnings, attempts to smuggle contraband by drone continue,” Cochran said. “We are committed to tracking and stopping every single one of these attempts. Those involved will face the full weight of the law.”
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office, in coordination with the Georgia Department of Corrections, is maintaining heightened surveillance around the prison and surrounding areas to prevent further contraband deliveries.
The case remains under investigation as officials work to identify if others are involved in the smuggling operation.
