GLENNVILLE, Ga. — A Smith State Prison inmate was sentenced to eight years in federal prison Thursday, Sept. 10, for his role in a widespread operation that used drones and other methods to deliver drugs, cellphones and other contraband into Georgia prisons.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Georgia, Kelvin Rogers, 40, also known as “Gangsta,” pleaded guilty to two counts of unlawful use of a communication facility.
Rogers was sentenced to 96 months in prison, fined $500 and ordered to serve one year of supervised release after completing his prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Three other defendants were also sentenced.
Deivon Waller, 32, received 20 years in prison, a $2,000 fine and three years of supervised release after pleading guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute methamphetamine and marijuana.
Tristahn Ash, 29, received 92 months in prison, a $1,500 fine and three years of supervised release after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Asa James Ward, 30, received 56 months in prison, a $1,500 fine and three years of supervised release after pleading guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute methamphetamine and marijuana.
Federal prosecutors said the operation involved a network of prison inmates and outside conspirators who delivered large quantities of drugs, cellphones and other contraband to Smith State Prison in Glennville, Telfair State Prison in McRae-Helena and other Georgia prisons.
The conspiracy began as early as 2019 and continued through July 2024, according to prosecutors.
More than 20 people were charged during the broader investigation, known as Operation Night Drop. More than a dozen additional defendants are awaiting sentencing, while others are scheduled for federal trials.
The investigation involved the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Georgia Department of Corrections and several local agencies, including the Tattnall County Sheriff’s Office.
Yolonda Harris
News Now Georgia
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