Two women arrested after attempted contraband drop at Washington State Prison

DAVISBORO, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Two women were arrested Thursday night after an attempted contraband drop near Washington State Prison, according to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies were patrolling the Davisboro area around 9 p.m. on June 5 when they spotted a suspicious vehicle near the prison. A traffic stop led deputies to discover evidence of a planned prison drop.

Inside the vehicle, deputies found approximately 3 ounces of methamphetamine, 5 ounces of MDMA, 4 pounds of marijuana, 4 pounds of tobacco, a knife, 11 cellphones with chargers, and a drone with its remote and batteries.

27-year-old Kendra Yates of Duluth and 22-year-old Viviona Smith of Auburn were arrested.

Both women face multiple charges including trafficking methamphetamine, trafficking MDMA, possession of methamphetamine, possession of MDMA, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of more than an ounce of marijuana, trading with inmates, furnishing prohibited items to inmates, unlawful use of an unmanned aircraft, possession of a knife or firearm during the commission of a crime, and possession of tools during the commission of a crime.

Washington County Sheriff Joel Cochran released the following statement:

“You’d think they’d learn by now. Despite our repeated efforts—successfully thwarting attempt after attempt—individuals continue to try their hand at smuggling contraband into Washington State Prison. And every time, they seem genuinely surprised when they get caught. Again. Let us be clear: the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, in partnership with the Georgia Department of Corrections, remains steadfast and vigilant. Whether it’s drones, drop-offs, or some new tactic they think we haven’t seen before, we’re watching. We’re tracking. And we’re ready. We take these criminal activities seriously, and we will continue to pursue charges to the fullest extent of the law. So, to those who keep trying we appreciate your consistency—it makes it easier to catch you.”