12 indicted in Macon drone smuggling scheme that allegedly operated from former daycare
The 17-count indictment was returned by a federal grand jury in the Middle District of Georgia on June 10 and unsealed June 24.
MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Twelve people have been indicted in what federal prosecutors describe as the largest federal prosecution to date involving coordinated drone operations to smuggle contraband into prisons, according to the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia.
The 17-count indictment was returned by a federal grand jury in the Middle District of Georgia on June 10 and unsealed June 24.
According to the indictment, the alleged conspiracy operated from September 2023 through May 2026 and involved the use of six drones to deliver contraband into 10 federal prisons across eight states. Prosecutors allege the drones made at least 38 drops at federal facilities in Georgia, Alabama, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia.
Federal prosecutors allege the contraband included methamphetamine, marijuana, K-2, suboxone, cell phones, tobacco and saw blades designed to be used as weapons or to facilitate escape.
The following individuals were charged in the indictment:
- 42-year-old Ira Christopher Jackson of Macon
- 45-year-old Kenna Middleton of Macon
- 42-year-old Leviticus Blash of Macon
- 37-year-old Chrystal Dunn of Macon and Greenville, South Carolina
- 23-year-old Jeff Richardson of Macon and East Point
- 23-year-old Tysean Richardson of Macon and East Point
- 70-year-old Glenn Middleton of Macon
- 37-year-old Aaron Hubbard, a Bureau of Prisons inmate
- 30-year-old Xavier Maxwell of Macon
- 47-year-old Lametheus Douglas, a Bureau of Prisons inmate
- 51-year-old Robert Lee Whisby Jr., a Bureau of Prisons inmate
- 51-year-old James Phillips of Jacksonville, Florida
According to court documents, prosecutors allege Jackson used a former daycare center in Macon, referred to in the indictment as “The Lab,” to store items used in the conspiracy. The indictment alleges that five of the drones were routinely activated at or near the property in the days leading up to prison contraband drops.
Prosecutors allege Jackson communicated with federal inmates to coordinate the deliveries. The indictment further alleges that Middleton assisted in flying drones, storing contraband and communicating with inmates; Blash helped conduct drone drops at federal prisons; Dunn provided transportation and served as a lookout; Jeff and Tysean Richardson flew drones used in the operation; Glenn Middleton stored items connected to the alleged conspiracy; and Maxwell helped prepare and package contraband.
The indictment also alleges that Douglas, Whisby, Hubbard and Phillips used contraband cell phones to schedule deliveries at federal prisons where they were housed or had previously been housed.
According to court documents, the Bureau of Prisons used a drone detection system capable of identifying a drone’s make, model, identification number, launch location, flight path and altitude when operating near prison properties.
Federal officials said the defendants are in federal custody and will make initial appearances in U.S. Magistrate Court in the Middle District of Georgia at times set by the court.
The case is being investigated by the FBI, the Federal Bureau of Prisons and the Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General, with assistance from several federal, state and local agencies, including the Georgia Department of Corrections and the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office.
An indictment is only an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
