Augusta man arrested for trading with inmates at Washington State Prison

Deputies were alerted to a suspicious individual near Washington State Prison, carrying bags, at 11:41 a.m. on April 2.

WASHINGTON COUNTY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A man was arrested for trading with inmates Wednesday, according to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies were alerted to a suspicious individual near Washington State Prison, carrying bags, at 11:41 a.m. on April 2. The suspect was apprehended at 12:05 p.m. in a field to the east of the prison.

22-year-old Jamel Barnes of Augusta was arrested and charged with three counts of possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute (felony), trading with inmates without authorization of the warden (felony), four counts of items prohibited by inmates (felony), criminal trespass (misdemeanor), and giving a false name (misdemeanor).

Sheriff Joel Cochran released the following statement:

“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.”