West Virginia authorities have apprehended a group of alleged drug dealers, including one minor, following an extensive investigation into the use of drones to deliver narcotics to a federal prison. The McDowell County Sheriff’s Office initiated the probe after receiving reports of increased drone activity near the medium-security Federal Correctional Institution in Welch last November. Additional tips regarding potential drone deliveries were received in the subsequent month.
The exact nature and quantity of drugs delivered, if any, remain unclear at this time. However, the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office, in collaboration with the McDowell County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office and the United States Attorney’s Office, has been actively working to ensure the safety of the county’s citizens and the employees of FCI-McDowell.
Arrests were made in December and February, with multiple suspects facing charges including attempted introduction of contraband into a correctional facility, unlawful operation of an unmanned aerial vehicle, and possession with intent to deliver a schedule 1 controlled substance. A juvenile suspect is also facing multiple charges related to the case.
Tragically, one of the suspects, Jose Sanchez Rodriguez, was found deceased on February 15, shortly after evading deputies. The cause of his death is currently pending investigation. Raymond Saez and Hector Luis have been assigned the highest bail amount of $150,000 each and are additionally charged with battery against an officer.
