BEAVER, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A coordinated effort between the Raleigh County Sheriff’s Office and officers at the Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) Beckley resulted in the arrest of a man accused of attempting to smuggle contraband into the prison.
According to Raleigh County Sheriff Frank Priddy, deputies responded to the prison around 1600 Industrial Park Road on Saturday, June 21, 2025, following reports of a possible contraband drop near the facility’s recreational yard.
FCI officers had observed a man emerging from the nearby woods.
Deputies located the individual—identified as Julius Covington—walking along the roadway.
Covington initially claimed to be lost, but further investigation revealed he was carrying a cell phone connected to an inmate suspected of organizing contraband deliveries.
Authorities say Covington was found with three packages containing illicit items, including:
- Four cell phones and a list of names and emails (estimated prison value: $32,000)
- A vape pen, cartridge, and five sheets of paper laced with methamphetamine (estimated prison value: $80,000)
- Multiple cell phone chargers, USB cables, and earbuds
FCI drug detection confirmed the presence of Schedule II methamphetamine on the paper sheets.
Covington later admitted to conspiring with an unidentified individual to smuggle the items into the prison for inmate distribution.
He has been charged with bringing contraband into a jail and conspiracy to commit a felony.
Sheriff Priddy and Chief Deputy Frankie Shelton credited the success of the operation to cooperation between local and federal agencies.
They also thanked Lt. M. Bragg of the Beckley Police Department for assisting in identifying the suspect’s vehicle. Cpl. R. McDaniel of the Sheriff’s Office handled the arrest.
Authorities estimate the total value of the seized contraband at $100,000.
All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
