Written by: E. George
Published August 28, 2024 @ 1:55 PM ET
FULTON COUNTY, Ga. – In a major crackdown on criminal activities within the Fulton County Jail, authorities have arrested over a dozen individuals and issued warrants for several more in a broad contraband and fraud investigation. The operation represents a significant disruption to a network that has allegedly orchestrated over $1 million in illicit transactions involving the jail.
The investigation by the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office initially began in April 2024, focusing on illegal activities related to the introduction of contraband into the jail. The probe intensified following the arrest of Markeisha Clark in June 2024 on identity theft charges, which unveiled a complex scheme involving inmates, their associates, and family members.
This operation exposed the use of various illicit items, including drugs, cell phones, and electronic devices, which were allegedly smuggled into the facility to spark further criminal activities within the jail.
Sheriff Pat Labat emphasized the extensive nature of the investigation, noting that “the bad actors are on the outside that have been affecting what’s happening inside and throughout our community.”
Six individuals were arrested on Friday, August 23, 2024, ranging in age from 18 to 57. The charges against them predominantly involve obtaining or procuring stored value cards for inmates and conspiracy to commit a felony. Those arrested include:
- Anita Baker, 57: Charged with one count of obtaining or procuring a stored value card for an inmate.
- Devin Brown, 18: Charged with one count of obtaining or procuring a stored value card and one count of conspiracy to commit a felony.
- Markeisha Clark, 25: Charged with two counts of obtaining or procuring a stored value card for an inmate.
- Kimberly Floyd, 43: Charged with one count of conspiracy to commit a felony.
- Contrell Simpson, 41: Charged with one count of conspiracy to commit a felony.
- Brianna Smith, 27: Charged with one count of obtaining or procuring a stored value card for an inmate.
Additionally, two individuals arrested and released on bonds earlier in the summer were:
- Aubree Cuna, 26: Charged with one count of obtaining or procuring a stored value card and one count of conspiracy to commit a felony.
- Janiha Pazhedath, 24: Charged with one count of obtaining or procuring a stored value card.
Arrest warrants have been issued for several individuals still at large, including:
- Dajaiah Jackson, 26: Charged with six counts of obtaining or procuring a stored value card.
- Mayke Jones, 25: Charged with one count of obtaining or procuring a stored value card.
- Jo Lisa Moss, 24: Charged with two counts of obtaining or procuring a stored value card.
- Amere Smith, 19: Charged with one count of obtaining or procuring a stored value card.
- Tiambra Smith, 26: Charged with four counts of obtaining or procuring a stored value card and one count of conspiracy to commit a felony.
Investigators have uncovered that contraband was introduced into the jail using various innovative and covert methods. These included the use of drones, fishing line, and even coded phrases like “Tom Brady” for throwing items over the jail’s fence.
Deputy Tessa Cole revealed that the contraband included a wide range of items, from cellphones and drugs such as Percocets and Molly to Xbox controllers.
The investigation also uncovered the use of CashApp cards to facilitate transactions and keep the contraband trade operational.
Sheriff Pat Labat commended the operation’s success, stating, “Our investigators are committed to fighting crime inside and outside the walls of the jail. This was a complex case that took months of investigation by our dedicated team. The arrests of these men and women will no doubt disrupt their criminal enterprise. We will continue to go after those that facilitate criminal activity within the jail.”
The investigation remains active, with additional arrests expected as law enforcement continues to determine the full extent of the network.