Julius Deshawn Williams Jr., Meth Smuggling, Georgia 2024

A former correctional officer cadet who attempted to bring more than half a kilogram of 100% pure methamphetamine into Dooly State Prison has pleaded guilty to his crime in federal court.

Julius Deshawn Williams Jr., 29, of Bonaire, Georgia, pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine before U.S. District Judge C. Ashley Royal on December 1.

Williams faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. The Court will schedule a sentencing date. There is no parole in the federal system.

“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.

“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,” said GDC Commissioner Tyrone Oliver.

Williams was a cadet undergoing training to become a correctional officer at Dooly State Prison. On June 24, 2024, when Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) officers conducted the security check and shake down required of every person attempting to enter the facility, they found four packages containing methamphetamine wrapped in black tape and hidden in the defendant’s pants. Next, his vehicle was searched, and GDC officers found four more packages of methamphetamine wrapped in black electrical tape and a pistol.

The packages contained 640 grams of methamphetamine with 100% purity. Williams admitted he was attempting to bring the drugs into the prison to give to an inmate.

The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC). Assistant U.S. Attorney Travis Lynes is prosecuting the case for the Government.

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