WELCH, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Multiple people have been arrested and one suspect is dead after drones were used to attempt to deliver contraband to FCI McDowell.
In a coordinated effort between the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office, the West Virginia State Police- Welch Detachment, and the McDowell County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, a series of arrests have been made in connection with heightened drone activity near the Federal Corrections Institution-McDowell (FCI-McDowell).
The suspects, implicated in attempting to introduce contraband into the correctional facility and unlawfully operating unmanned aerial vehicles (drones), now face serious charges.
- Jose Enrigue (Arrested on 12/13/2023):
- Charges: Attempt to Introduce Contraband, Unlawful Operation of Drone, Felony Conspiracy
- Bond: $20,000.00 Cash Only – Magistrate Mark Shelton
- Dominguez Santos (Arrested on 12/13/2023):
- Charges: Attempt to Introduce Contraband, Unlawful Operation of Drone, Felony Conspiracy
- Bond: $20,000.00 Cash Only – Magistrate Mark Shelton
- Arturo Gallegos (Arrested on 02/01/2021):
- Charges: Attempt to Introduce Contraband, Unlawful Operation of Drone, Possession with Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance, Felony Conspiracy
- Bond: $50,000.00 Cash Only – Richard VanDyke
- Miguel Piceno (Arrested on 02/01/2024):
- Charges: Attempt to Introduce Contraband, Unlawful Operation of Drone, Possession with Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance, Felony Conspiracy
- Bond: $50,000.00 Cash Only – Magistrate Richard VanDyke
- Francisco Gonzalez (Arrested on 02/01/2024):
- Charges: Attempt to Introduce Contraband, Unlawful Operation of Drone, Possession with Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance, Felony Conspiracy
- Bond: $50,000.00 Cash Only – Magistrate Richard VanDyke
- Bailey Sexton (Arrested on 02/06/2024):
- Charges: Attempt to Introduce Contraband, Possession with Intent to Deliver Controlled Substances, Unlawful Operation of Drone, Felony Conspiracy, Contributing to the Delinquency of a Child
- Bond: $40,000.00 Cash Only – Magistrate Mark Shelton
- J.H. (Juvenile) (Arrested on 02/06/2024):
- Charges: Attempt to Introduce Contraband, Possession with Intent to Deliver Controlled Substances, Unlawful Operation of Drone, Felony Conspiracy
- Detention Hearing by Magistrate Mark Shelton
- Hector Luis (Arrested on 02/09/2024):
- Charges: Obstructing an Officer, Fleeing from Officer, Assault on Officer, Battery on Officer, Unauthorized Use of an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, Introduction of Contraband, Terroristic Acts, Felony Conspiracy
- Bond: $150,000.00 Cash Only – Magistrate Richard VanDyke
- Raymond Saez (Arrested on 02/09/2024):
- Charges: Obstructing an Officer, Fleeing from Officer, Assault on Officer, Battery on Officer, Unauthorized Use of an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, Introduction of Contraband, Terroristic Acts, Felony Conspiracy
- Bond: $150,000.00 Cash Only – Magistrate Richard VanDyke
- Rivera Gamalier (Arrested on 02/09/2024):
- Charges: Fugitive from Justice (Pennsylvania), Unauthorized Use of an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, Introduction of Contraband, Terroristic Acts, Felony Conspiracy
- Bond: Fugitive Hold
- Frank Salgado (Arrested on 02/09/2024):
- Charges: No Operators, No Insurance, Introduction of Contraband, Unauthorized Use of an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, Felony Conspiracy
- Bond: $50,000.00 Cash Only – Magistrate Richard VanDyke
On February 9, 2024, during an investigation into drone activity near FCI-McDowell, an individual identified as Jose Sanchez Rodriguez fled from officers on foot.
Unfortunately, he was later located deceased on February 15, 2024, by members of the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office.
The investigation continues, and Rodriguez’s body will undergo autopsy at the West Virginia State Medical Examiner’s Office.
Meetings have been held between the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office, the McDowell County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, and the United States Attorney’s Office to ensure a comprehensive approach to the investigation and prosecution, prioritizing the safety of McDowell County citizens and FCI-McDowell employees.