In Tattnall County, Georgia, a former warden from Smith State Prison in Glennville has been indicted, with accusations linking him to a smuggling scheme.
Brian Adams, aged 52 and hailing from Waycross, Georgia, is facing multiple charges, including violations of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act, making false statements, evidence tampering, and breaching his public officer’s oath.
The smuggling operation is allegedly connected to inmate Nathan Weekes and a prison gang identified as the YSL Squad, as stated by Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr.
In May 2022, Carr enlisted the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) to look into corruption allegations after evidence surfaced relating to the death of an 88-year-old man in Glennville.
The GBI reported that Weekes was charged in 2021 with conspiracy to commit murder and involvement in the death of 88-year-old Bobby Kicklighter, despite already being incarcerated at the time.
Adams allegedly acquired and maintained control of money and contraband through racketeering.
He is accused of engaging in acts that include, but are not limited to, bribery, money laundering, tampering with evidence and providing false statements.
According to Carr’s release, Adams reportedly accepted money to move Weekes out of solitary confinement. He is also accused of concealing prison shanks and contraband cell phones by burying them at his home to obstruct an investigation.
“Those who work in our prisons are expected to protect Georgians from the most dangerous criminals, not become one themselves,” said Carr. “Using a state position to profit off gang activity and contraband, if proven, is completely inexcusable and will lead to prosecution by our office. Public corruption at any level will not be tolerated.”
Carr is currently a gubernatorial candidate in Georgia.
The full indictment can be found below: