Phillip Burgin, Prison Meth Ring Involvement, Montgomery AL, 2023

Montgomery, Alabama – In a major blow to the illegal drug trade within correctional facilities, six individuals have been apprehended following a joint operation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Alabama Department of Corrections. The operation targeted a drug distribution network that involved both inmates and correction officers.

Among those arrested is Phillip Burgin, a 23-year-old correction officer at Kilby State Prison in Montgomery. Burgin, along with Stephanie Auban, 41, from Cullman; William Thomas Crane II, 36, from Crossville; and Alberto Trejo, an inmate at Bullock County Correctional Facility, face charges of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.

Miguel Calles-Gutierrez, 42, of Birmingham, and Gumaro Calles, 24, currently serving time at Staton Correctional Facility in Elmore, were indicted for distribution of methamphetamine. Authorities searched the personal areas of Trejo and Calles within their respective correctional facilities.

U.S. Attorney George L. Beck Jr., for the Middle District of Alabama, emphasized the gravity of drug dealing, stating, ‘Drug dealers spread poison for profit, destroying families and communities.’ He commended Commissioner Kim Thomas and his staff for their commitment to halting drug trafficking within state prisons.

Commissioner Thomas underscored the Department of Corrections’ dedication to combating illegal activity, emphasizing that the actions of one officer do not reflect on the hard work of the entire correctional staff. ‘We will continue to partner with federal law enforcement to protect public safety and stop drug distribution networks,’ he said.

Clay Morris, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of DEA, highlighted the importance of collaboration between the DEA and AL DOC, noting that without their assistance, the investigation would not have been successful.