Former Georgia prison warden indicted in alleged contraband smuggling operation
TATTNALL COUNTY, Ga. (WTOC) – Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr announced the indictment of former Smith State Prison Warden Brian Adams, 52, of Waycross, for his alleged involvement in a contraband smuggling operation tied to inmate Nathan Weekes and a prison gang known as YSL Squad.
READ MORE: Georgia Bureau of Investigation arrests former Smith State Prison Warden
“Those who work in our prisons are expected to protect Georgians from the most dangerous criminals, not become one themselves,” Carr said. “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.”
The case was investigated by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.
“As warden of a state prison, Adams was entrusted with the solemn responsibility of holding criminals accountable and protecting the public trust. Instead, he exploited his position for personal gain,” said GBI Director Chris Hosey. “We remain unwavering in our commitment to work alongside the Georgia Attorney General’s Office to dismantle criminal networks and hold corrupt officials fully accountable.”
Investigation origins
In May 2022, Carr requested the GBI to investigate allegations of corruption at Smith State Prison. The request stemmed from evidence discovered while conducting an investigation into the death of 88-year-old Bobby Kicklighter, who was shot and killed at his home in Glennville in January 2021. Weekes, who was already in custody at Smith State Prison at the time, and several others were subsequently indicted as a result of the death investigation, which includes charges related to contraband smuggling.
Adams is now charged with facilitating the smuggling operation as warden.
Allegations against Adams
Adams is alleged to have acquired and maintained control of money and contraband through a pattern of racketeering activity.
As warden, Adams is alleged to have accepted money to move inmate Weekes out of solitary confinement. He is also alleged to have accepted money to permit contraband into Smith State Prison.
Adams is alleged to have conducted and attempted to conduct transactions involving the proceeds of unlawful activity.
Adams is alleged to have knowingly concealed prison shanks and contraband cell phones by having them buried in his backyard in an attempt to obstruct an investigation into his activity and YSL Squad at Smith State Prison.
Adams is alleged to have knowingly made false statements to law enforcement in relation to an investigation into his activity and YSL Squad at Smith State Prison.
Charges
The Attorney General’s Prosecution Division presented evidence to a Tattnall County Grand Jury, which returned an indictment against Adams on May 13, 2026.
Adams is facing one count of violation of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, one count of false statements, two counts of tampering with evidence and two counts of violation of oath by a public officer.
Adams is presumed innocent until proven guilty.