Welch, WV (WOAY) Three men are facing charges after deputies say a drone was used in an attempt to deliver contraband into the Federal Correctional Institution McDowell in Welch.
The McDowell County Sheriff’s Office says it was notified early Sunday morning of a drone flying over the prison.
Deputies responded to the area of Noe Street, which investigators say has been used before as a launch point for similar drone activity.
Around 1:11 a.m., deputies found a black Volkswagen with three men inside identified as 27-year-old Terry Younger, 36-year-old Lagearl Rimpson, and 37-year-old Kenley Fuller.
According to investigators, a drone controller was found near the vehicle, displaying a live camera feed.
Deputies say packages of suspected contraband could be seen attached to the drone.
The drone eventually crashed in a wooded area about 200 feet away.
Deputies say the orange drone had its operational lights covered, and a vacuum-sealed package containing suspected tobacco was attached to it and camouflaged with adhesive and grass.
A search of the vehicle reportedly uncovered another package constructed and camouflaged similarly.
All three men were arrested on charges including aiding escape, offenses related to a correctional facility, unlawful operation of an unmanned aerial vehicle, and conspiracy.
Investigators also say Rimpson had previously been involved in a similar drone-related incident in McDowell County.
The sheriff’s office says it continues to work with federal correctional officials and other law enforcement agencies to investigate attempts to bring contraband into FCI McDowell.
