MCDOWELL COUNTY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Two North Carolina men were arrested Tuesday following an investigation into contraband allegedly being brought into the Federal Correctional Institution McDowell.
According to the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office, approximately 196 grams of suspected methamphetamine, three cell phones, tobacco and other items were recovered during the investigation.
The investigation began Tuesday morning, Sept. 22, when Chief Deputy Martin observed a dark-colored Toyota Camry arrive on Noe Street at approximately 7:22 a.m. Two men reportedly exited the vehicle and opened the trunk, where one retrieved a book bag and handed it to the other.
Authorities said the passenger then walked toward a wooded area in the direction of FCI McDowell while the vehicle left the area.
Chief Deputy Martin contacted officials at FCI McDowell and learned that packages of contraband had recently been thrown over the prison’s perimeter fence.
Information about the suspects and vehicle was provided to McDowell County Communications, and deputies responded to the area.
Deputies later located the Toyota parked at North Welch First Church of God on Stewart Street and detained the driver, identified as Sixto Rodriguez.
At approximately 9:43 a.m., Chief Deputy Martin, Detective Cline and Officer Noe returned to the Noe Street area and reportedly saw the second suspect leaving the wooded area from the direction of the prison. That man was detained and identified as Eric Surles.
Both men were taken to the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office for further investigation.
FCI McDowell officials later turned over packages wrapped in camouflage tape that authorities said had been thrown over the prison’s perimeter fence. Investigators said the packages contained three Motorola cell phones with SIM cards and chargers, two packages of tobacco and approximately 196 grams of suspected methamphetamine.
According to the sheriff’s office, Surles told investigators that he and Rodriguez had traveled from North Carolina to McDowell County to deliver contraband to FCI McDowell in exchange for money.
Surles also allegedly admitted to throwing the packages over the prison fence but claimed he did not know what was inside because another person had packaged them.
Investigators obtained search warrants for cell phones seized during the investigation. A preliminary review reportedly found WhatsApp communications related to the Sept. 22 delivery as well as communications concerning other suspected contraband deliveries at FCI McDowell.
Investigators allege Rodriguez and Surles worked together to introduce contraband, including suspected controlled substances, onto federal correctional institution property.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities said additional charges could be considered as further evidence is reviewed.
The McDowell County Sheriff’s Office thanked FCI McDowell officials and the Welch Police Department for assisting with the investigation.
All individuals are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
