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Written by: A. Smith
Published October 10, 2025 @ 9:01 AM ET
FULTON COUNTY, Ga. – A Fulton County deputy has been fired and arrested after investigators say he conspired with inmates to smuggle drugs and other contraband into the Rice Street jail using a drone.
According to arrest warrants, a Sept. 2 shakedown at the Fulton County Jail uncovered a “substantial amount of illegal contraband,” including suspected cocaine, marijuana, crystal meth, drug strips and a cellphone.
Investigators said the discovery came after command staff noticed a breach in a window and reviewed surveillance footage that showed inmates passing items under a fire door. A search later uncovered a note detailing a drone drop scheduled for either Aug. 30 or 31, which investigators said implicated Deputy DeMarcus Jamal Tinsley, the floor officer at the time.
The warrants also allege that Tinsley allowed three inmates from Housing Unit 7N to enter Zone 400 and remain there from 10 p.m. Aug. 31 until 4 a.m. Sept. 1 “without any authority.”
According to jail records, Tinsley was booked into the Fulton County Jail on Oct. 8 and released the same day on bond. He is charged with violating his oath as a public officer and conspiracy to commit a felony. His listed address is in Newnan, Georgia, and bond was set at $35,000 total.
Those inmates — identified as Cleavon Battle, Willie Holt and Karanji Reese — have each been charged with conspiracy to commit a felony.
Officials said Tinsley is no longer employed by the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities have not said how long the suspected drone operation had been taking place or whether other employees were involved. It’s also unclear who piloted the drone, how the contraband was obtained, or if any of the seized drugs have been tested. The sheriff’s office has not released surveillance images or body camera footage related to the investigation.