Four arrested after attempted contraband drop near Washington State Prison

Deputies noticed a suspicious vehicle traveling near Davisboro around 3:30 a.m. on April 17.

SANDERSVILLE, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Four people were arrested Friday after an attempted contraband drop near Washington State Prison, according to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies noticed a suspicious vehicle traveling near Davisboro around 3:30 a.m. on April 17.

According to a news release, a traffic stop was conducted after deputies noticed an unusual travel pattern and the vehicle failing to maintain its lane.

Deputies discovered marijuana and a firearm during the stop.

The sheriff’s office says further investigation revealed indicators consistent with a potential contraband drop near Washington State Prison.

Prison officials reported two individuals dressed in black near the facility after the traffic stop was conducted.

The sheriff’s office says deputies responded to the area and located and detained both subjects nearby. Evidence linked them to the vehicle, including a machete matching a sheath found inside and identification connecting them to the scene.

A search of the area by deputies and K-9 units led to the recovery of backpacks and other items filled with contraband.

The following people were arrested and charged:

• 48-year-old Monica Bell is charged with trafficking in meth, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, crossing guard lines, trading with inmates, conspiracy to commit a felony, items prohibited by inmates, possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime, and two counts of possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, all felonies.
• 38-year-old Courtney Rome is charged with trafficking in meth, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, crossing guard lines, trading with inmates, conspiracy to commit a felony, items prohibited by inmates, possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime, and two counts of possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, all felonies.
• 43-year-old Michael Martin is charged with trafficking in meth, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, crossing guard lines, trading with inmates, conspiracy to commit a felony, items prohibited by inmates, possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime, and two counts of possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, all felonies.
• 32-year-old Christina Buchan-Shields is charged with trafficking in meth, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, crossing guard lines, trading with inmates, conspiracy to commit a felony, items prohibited by inmates, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime.

During the investigation, deputies recovered 2.95 pounds of tobacco, 4.5 pounds of meth, 45 vapes, 88 cellphones with chargers, a DeWalt flashlight and charger, two packs of craft magnets, two basketballs, one machete, one bottle of liquor and a medium-size meat lovers pizza.