MCDOWELL COUNTY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Five people were arrested Monday after authorities say they attempted to introduce contraband into the Federal Correctional Institution, McDowell in McDowell County.
According to the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office, Chief Deputy Dalton Martin and Deputy M.D. Pertee were conducting surveillance in the Edmore Village Road area near Welch at about 12:47 p.m. on June 29. The area is known by law enforcement as a corridor used to introduce contraband into the federal prison.
Deputies said they observed three men exit a black SUV and run toward the prison carrying footballs, which authorities said are frequently used to conceal contraband.
The sheriff’s office identified the suspects as Marquevious Williams, 28, of Newberry, South Carolina; Tymarion Floyd, 18, of Prosperity, South Carolina; Tylik Pratt, 30, of Newberry, South Carolina; Shunda Robinson, 24, of Newberry, South Carolina; and Kelly Wight, 30, of Newberry, South Carolina.
According to the release, Deputy Pertee went to FCI McDowell to alert prison officials while Chief Deputy Martin located the black SUV with South Carolina license plates. Authorities said Wight, who was driving, and passenger Robinson were detained during the investigation.
Officials at FCI McDowell reported that one of the three men entered prison property before fleeing when confronted. Deputies and prison officials conducted a foot pursuit that ended with the three men being detained in a wooded area between Edmore Village and the prison. They were later transported to the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office for processing.
Investigators said one of the suspects admitted to driving the group to the area in exchange for $500 and told deputies the others were carrying footballs packed with tobacco intended for delivery to an inmate at the prison.
A search of the wooded area near the prison recovered one of the footballs, according to the sheriff’s office. Authorities said it contained shopping bags filled with tobacco and bubble wrap concealing a cellphone.
All five defendants were charged with aiding escape and other offenses related to a correctional facility, conspiracy and additional criminal charges. The sheriff’s office said additional charges remain under review as the investigation continues.
“Our deputies acted swiftly and collaboratively with FCI McDowell officials to stop contraband from reaching the facility,” said Chief Deputy Dalton Martin. “We will continue to prioritize the safety and security of our correctional partners and the community by aggressively investigating this criminal enterprise.”
Martin also thanked Prosecutor Brittany Puckett and the staff of the McDowell County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for prosecuting the case, as well as the Welch Police Department for assisting with the investigation.
The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office at 304-436-4100. Authorities also encouraged community members to report suspicious activity.
All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
