Four arrested in Hancock State Prison contraband drop, drugs and stolen firearm seized

The prison notified the sheriff’s office about contraband being thrown over the security fence and several suspects spotted in the woods around 12:43 a.m. on April 3.

April 3, 2025

Monica Diaz-Meek,

SPARTA, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Four people were arrested after a contraband drop at the Hancock State Prison, according to the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office.

The prison notified the sheriff’s office about contraband being thrown over the security fence and several suspects spotted in the woods around 12:43 a.m. on April 3.

Authorities located two male suspects in the woods near the prison. Kamarion Walker and Jakwon Cooks were arrested.

While detaining one of the suspects, a cell phone rang, and the caller asked if they could be picked up at Rocky Food Market in downtown Sparta. The Department of Corrections answered the call, keeping the caller on the line until law enforcement could make contact. The caller, identified as a juvenile, was detained and arrested.

The sheriff’s office also checked another area near the prison and spotted a 2021 Toyota sedan that failed to dim its headlights for oncoming traffic. A traffic stop was initiated.

The driver, identified as Reginald Johnson of Tifton, lowered his window, and deputies smelled marijuana coming from the vehicle. A search of the car uncovered several illegal drugs, contraband, and a stolen firearm. Johnson was arrested, and charges are pending as the case remains under investigation.

Items recovered from the contraband drop at Hancock State Prison include: