Two Men Apprehended for Possessing Illegal Items Near Washington State Prison

WASHINGTON COUNTY, Ga. () – Two individuals have been detained after being discovered with contraband in separate incidents near Washington State Prison.

Authorities reported that at approximately 7 A.M. on May 11th, deputies received a tip about a man running through a field close to Washington State Prison, lugging multiple large bags. Washington County Deputies, alongside a GDC K-9 Unit, promptly arrived at the scene.

Law enforcement officials indicated that the K-9 unit traced the suspect, identified as 39-year-old Alonzo Holiday from Augusta, into the surrounding woods. He was located while hiding and apprehended by the authorities.

According to police, Holiday was carrying 7 pounds of marijuana, 309 grams of ecstasy, 29 pounds of tobacco, 37 cell phones, and other assorted items banned inside prisons.

Authorities state that Holiday faces multiple charges including Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana, Trafficking in Ecstasy, Items Prohibited by Inmates (x4), Crossing Guard Lines, Trading with Inmates, and Criminal Trespass.

Then, at around 11 PM on May 11th, deputies say that they were alerted to a person near Washington State Prison carrying a large backpack, and Washington County Deputies and the Georgia Department of Corrections quickly responded to the area.

Authorities say that K9 Kenai tracked the suspect, who was later identified as Jaden Nelson, 18, of South Fulton, was found and taken into custody along with the bag.

According to deputies, inside the backpack were 13.5 grams of methamphetamine, 122 grams of ecstasy, 60 Xanax bars, 1 pound of marijuana, and other assorted items banned inside prisons.

Authorities state that Nelson was arrested and charged with 5 counts of Items Prohibited by the Warden, 3 counts of Possession with Intent to Distribute Illegal Drugs, Trafficking in Ecstasy, Crossing Guard Lines with Prohibited Items, Trading with Inmates, and Criminal Trespass.