A former correctional officer cadet has pleaded guilty in federal court to attempting to smuggle more than half a kilogram of pure methamphetamine into Dooly State Prison. Julius Deshawn Williams Jr., 29, from Bonaire, Georgia, entered his plea for one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine before U.S. District Judge C. Ashley Royal on December 1. He faces a maximum possible sentence of life in prison, with sentencing to be scheduled at a later date. Federal law does not allow parole.
“Highly addictive, illegal drugs inside a prison only increase the potential for chaos and violence for everyone on the inside, and can never be tolerated,” said U.S. Attorney William R. “Will” Keyes. “Correctional officers have a vital role in ensuring community safety. We appreciate the collaboration across all levels of law enforcement to protect people.”
GDC Commissioner Tyrone Oliver commented on the case: “Contraband in the hands of inmates gives them the ability to continue their criminal enterprise, so the efforts of our dedicated officers in stopping those who attempt to introduce these items is paramount in our commitment to public safety. We are pleased to see that justice has been served on this individual for his role in jeopardizing the safe and secure operations of our facilities.”
Robert J. Murphy, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Division, stated: “Keeping narcotics out of our correctional facilities requires strong, united efforts across agencies. This guilty plea is the result of that collaboration. DEA will continue to stand with our federal, state and local partners to ensure that anyone attempting to introduce dangerous drugs into a prison faces the full force of the law.”
According to information presented during court proceedings, Williams was training as a cadet at Dooly State Prison when he was stopped by Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) officers during routine security checks on June 24, 2024. Officers discovered four packages containing methamphetamine hidden inside his pants; further search of his vehicle revealed an additional four packages and a pistol. The total amount seized was 640 grams of methamphetamine with 100% purity. Williams admitted he intended to deliver the drugs to an inmate.
The investigation was conducted by both the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and GDC.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Travis Lynes is prosecuting this case.
