GPS RESEARCH LIBRARY: Policy & Advocacy: Monitor-Not-Block, Scamming, Legal Path & Cost Model ============================================================ Georgia Prisoners' Speak — gps.press Generated: 2026-04-07 05:18:16 EDT Research Date: 2026-04-03 Topic: Policy & Reform JSON: https://gps.press/research-data/policy-advocacy-monitor-not-block-scamming-legal-path-cost-model/?format=json SUMMARY ---------------------------------------- This GPS research document argues that Georgia's current approach of blocking cell phones in prisons via Managed Access Systems (MAS) fails to prevent phone-based fraud, citing numerous high-profile scam operations originating from Georgia prisons totaling millions in losses. The document proposes a 'monitor-not-block' approach that would leverage existing MAS infrastructure and AI monitoring to detect criminal activity in real time, noting that Georgia already allows personal phones in 13 Transitional Centers under existing statutory authority (O.C.G.A. 42-5-18), and that the marginal cost of monitoring over blocking is only ~$90-100 per inmate per year while potentially saving $73.5 million annually through recidivism reduction. CASE DETAILS (7) ---------------------------------------- - [reported] 50+ indicted in Autry SP jury duty scam Over 50 people were indicted in a jury duty scam originating from Autry State Prison, including 15 corrections officers. Tags: corruption,contraband,operations,investigations Sources: Georgia Prison Scamming and The Case for Monitor-Not-Block - [reported] $3.5 million stolen by single inmate at Telfair SP A single inmate at Telfair State Prison stole $3.5 million through phone-based fraud. Tags: contraband,corruption,investigations Sources: Georgia Prison Scamming and The Case for Monitor-Not-Block - [confirmed] Calhoun SP wire fraud: $464,920 stolen from 119 victims A phone-based scam from Calhoun State Prison resulted in $464,920 in documented losses from 119 identified victims across 6+ states. Date: 2026-01-09 Tags: contraband,investigations,operations Sources: Georgia Prison Scamming and The Case for Monitor-Not-Block - [reported] $500,000+ Iowa romance scam from Calhoun SP Over $500,000 was stolen in Iowa romance scams traced to Calhoun State Prison, using drone-delivered phones. Robert 'Bo' Nnanwubas impersonated federal agents targeting healthcare workers. Tags: contraband,investigations,operations Sources: Georgia Prison Scamming and The Case for Monitor-Not-Block - [reported] $560,000+ extorted from 440+ military members in sextortion ring Over $560,000 was extorted from more than 440 military members in a sextortion ring operated from a Georgia prison using contraband phones. Tags: contraband,investigations,operations Sources: Georgia Prison Scamming and The Case for Monitor-Not-Block - [confirmed] Jackson and Riddle convicted January 9, 2026 Joey Amour Jackson and Lance Riddle were convicted on January 9, 2026 for conspiracy to commit wire fraud. They used contraband phones and VOIP to spoof police numbers nationwide from Calhoun State Prison. Date: 2026-01-09 Tags: contraband,investigations,legal Sources: Georgia Prison Scamming and The Case for Monitor-Not-Block - [reported] Scam escalated to sexual exploitation The Calhoun SP jury duty scam escalated to sexual exploitation, with female victims instructed to undress in Target restrooms. One victim stated: 'I panicked. They had my information.' Tags: contraband,violence,investigations Sources: Georgia Prison Scamming and The Case for Monitor-Not-Block FINDINGS (7) ---------------------------------------- - [reported] None of the major scams stopped by MAS None of the documented major phone scam operations from Georgia prisons were stopped by the Managed Access System (MAS). All were discovered after the fact. Tags: contraband,operations,policy Sources: Georgia Prison Scamming and The Case for Monitor-Not-Block - [reported] VOIP bypasses carrier blocking VOIP technology bypasses carrier-based blocking used by MAS systems, allowing inmates to continue making calls even when phones are identified. By the time a phone is blocked, the damage is already done. Tags: contraband,operations,policy Sources: Georgia Prison Scamming and The Case for Monitor-Not-Block - [reported] Phones replaced faster than blocked Contraband phones are replaced faster than they can be blocked, through drone delivery and staff smuggling, rendering the blocking approach ineffective. Tags: contraband,operations,policy,corruption Sources: Georgia Prison Scamming and The Case for Monitor-Not-Block - [reported] Georgia already contracted with LEO Technologies Georgia has already contracted with LEO Technologies for AI-based phone monitoring. LEO Technologies uses AWS cloud with speech-to-text, semantic analysis, and machine learning capabilities. The system has solved cold homicides, prevented suicides, disrupted trafficking, and built RICO cases. Tags: operations,policy,contraband Sources: Georgia Prison Scamming and The Case for Monitor-Not-Block - [reported] Blocking gives a phone number; monitoring gives a criminal case The document argues that blocking contraband phones only provides a phone number, while monitoring provides actionable intelligence sufficient to build criminal cases. Tags: policy,contraband,investigations Sources: Georgia Prison Scamming and The Case for Monitor-Not-Block - [reported] MAS cannot see phone content The Managed Access System (MAS) cannot see the content of calls or messages made on contraband phones; it can only identify and block device signals. Tags: contraband,operations Sources: Georgia Prison Scamming and The Case for Monitor-Not-Block - [reported] WiFi workaround demonstrates inmate adaptability Inmates have found WiFi workarounds to bypass MAS blocking, demonstrating that blocking approaches face persistent adaptability from the target population. Tags: contraband,operations Sources: Georgia Prison Scamming and The Case for Monitor-Not-Block STATISTICS (19) ---------------------------------------- - [reported] Calhoun SP highest contraband rate in state Calhoun State Prison has the highest contraband rate in the state with 62 mentions in GDC press releases, despite having a Trace-Tek MAS system installed. Value: 62.0 mentions in GDC press releases Tags: contraband,facilities Sources: Georgia Prison Scamming and The Case for Monitor-Not-Block; GDC Press Releases - [reported] TC residents up to 1/3 more likely to succeed in crime-free life GDC research shows Transitional Center residents are up to one-third more likely to succeed in a crime-free life compared to other released inmates. Value: 33.0 percent more likely to succeed crime-free Tags: reentry,policy Sources: Georgia Prison Scamming and The Case for Monitor-Not-Block - [reported] UK 50+ prisons with in-cell phones, 39% less reoffending Over 50 UK prisons have in-cell phones with all calls recorded, resulting in 39% less reoffending. Value: 39.0 percent reduction in reoffending (vs. 50 prisons with in-cell phones) Tags: policy,reentry Sources: Georgia Prison Scamming and The Case for Monitor-Not-Block - [reported] Norway 20% recidivism vs US 43% Norway guarantees 30 minutes per week of phone access and has a 20% recidivism rate compared to the US rate of 43%. Value: 20.0 percent recidivism rate (vs. 43 US recidivism rate (percent)) Tags: policy,reentry Sources: Georgia Prison Scamming and The Case for Monitor-Not-Block - [reported] Connecticut free calls: +128% volume, $12M savings, $30/inmate/month Connecticut implemented free prison calls resulting in a 128% increase in call volume, families saving $12 million per year, at a cost of $30 per inmate per month. Value: 128.0 percent increase in call volume (vs. 12000000 dollars saved by families per year) Tags: policy,budget Sources: Georgia Prison Scamming and The Case for Monitor-Not-Block - [reported] MAS hardware installed at 35 Georgia facilities Managed Access System (MAS) hardware is already installed at 35 Georgia correctional facilities. Value: 35.0 facilities with MAS Tags: operations,facilities,contraband Sources: Georgia Prison Scamming and The Case for Monitor-Not-Block - [estimated] Monitored access costs ~$583-646/inmate/year Monitored phone access costs approximately $583-646 per inmate per year. Value: 583.0 dollars per inmate per year (low estimate) (vs. 646 dollars per inmate per year (high estimate)) Tags: budget,policy Sources: Georgia Prison Scamming and The Case for Monitor-Not-Block - [estimated] Current blocking costs ~$443-556/inmate/year Current phone blocking via MAS costs approximately $443-556 per inmate per year, net of kickbacks. Value: 443.0 dollars per inmate per year (low estimate) (vs. 556 dollars per inmate per year (high estimate)) Tags: budget,policy Sources: Georgia Prison Scamming and The Case for Monitor-Not-Block - [estimated] Monitoring premium ~$90-100/inmate/year over blocking The marginal cost premium for phone monitoring over blocking is approximately $90-100 per inmate per year. Value: 90.0 dollars per inmate per year (low estimate) (vs. 100 dollars per inmate per year (high estimate)) Tags: budget,policy Sources: Georgia Prison Scamming and The Case for Monitor-Not-Block - [estimated] 5% recidivism reduction would save $73.5 million/year Even a 5% recidivism reduction from monitored phone access would save $73.5 million per year, dwarfing the estimated $5-7 million marginal cost of the monitoring approach. Value: 73.5 million dollars annual savings (vs. 5 percent recidivism reduction needed) Tags: budget,reentry,policy Sources: Georgia Prison Scamming and The Case for Monitor-Not-Block - [reported] Family contact reduces recidivism 13-25% Family contact through phone access reduces recidivism by 13-25%. Value: 13.0 percent recidivism reduction (low) (vs. 25 percent recidivism reduction (high)) Tags: reentry,policy Sources: Georgia Prison Scamming and The Case for Monitor-Not-Block - [reported] Drone operators paid $4,000-5,000 per drop Drone operators delivering contraband to Georgia prisons are paid $4,000-5,000 per drop. Value: 4000.0 dollars per drop (low) (vs. 5000 dollars per drop (high)) Tags: contraband,operations Sources: Georgia Prison Scamming and The Case for Monitor-Not-Block - [reported] Drones carry 10 pounds, make 4 drops per night Contraband delivery drones carry 10 pounds and can make 4 drops per night. Value: 10.0 pounds per load (vs. 4 drops per night) Tags: contraband,operations Sources: Georgia Prison Scamming and The Case for Monitor-Not-Block - [reported] Prison contraband tobacco markup: $50 to $800-2,000 A 6oz can of tobacco that costs $50 on the street sells for $800-2,000 inside Georgia prisons. Value: 50.0 dollars street price per 6oz can (vs. 800 dollars low prison price) Tags: contraband Sources: Georgia Prison Scamming and The Case for Monitor-Not-Block - [reported] Marijuana sells for $10,000/pound inside prison Marijuana sells for $10,000 per pound inside Georgia prisons. Value: 10000.0 dollars per pound Tags: contraband,drugs Sources: Georgia Prison Scamming and The Case for Monitor-Not-Block - [reported] Contraband phones sell for $800-1,200 inside Contraband phones sell for $800-1,200 inside Georgia prisons but are fragile in drone drops. Value: 800.0 dollars low price (vs. 1200 dollars high price) Tags: contraband Sources: Georgia Prison Scamming and The Case for Monitor-Not-Block - [estimated] Mixed 10-pound drone drop worth $67,000-93,000 A mixed 10-pound contraband drone drop is worth $67,000-93,000 inside Georgia prisons. Value: 67000.0 dollars low estimate (vs. 93000 dollars high estimate) Tags: contraband,operations Sources: Georgia Prison Scamming and The Case for Monitor-Not-Block - [reported] 283 drone incidents in 2024, 600% increase since 2019 There were 283 drone incidents at Georgia prisons in 2024, representing a 600% increase since 2019. Value: 283.0 drone incidents (vs. 600 percent increase since 2019) Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: contraband,operations Sources: Georgia Prison Scamming and The Case for Monitor-Not-Block - [estimated] Marginal cost of monitoring system: $5-7 million The estimated marginal cost of implementing the monitor-not-block system across Georgia prisons is $5-7 million. Value: 5.0 million dollars (low estimate) (vs. 7 million dollars (high estimate)) Tags: budget,policy Sources: Georgia Prison Scamming and The Case for Monitor-Not-Block QUOTES (6) ---------------------------------------- - [reported] Victim quote from Calhoun SP scam I panicked. They had my information. Tags: contraband,investigations Sources: Georgia Prison Scamming and The Case for Monitor-Not-Block - [reported] Commissioner Homer Bryson quote on TC phone policy we believe it is important that they begin learning the responsible use of technology. Tags: policy,reentry Sources: Georgia Prison Scamming and The Case for Monitor-Not-Block - [reported] Tecore iNAC pre-authorized device routing capability Tecore iNAC MAS system: 'Pre-authorized device activity is passed on to commercial network(s).' The system already distinguishes authorized from unauthorized devices, meaning the modification from blocking to monitoring is a configuration change, not a redesign. Tags: operations,policy,contraband Sources: Georgia Prison Scamming and The Case for Monitor-Not-Block - [reported] AG Chris Carr opposition quote AG Chris Carr, running for governor in 2026, stated: 'Prisoners with contraband cell phones are ordering murders.' Date: 2026-01-01 Tags: policy,contraband,violence Sources: Georgia Prison Scamming and The Case for Monitor-Not-Block - [reported] Commissioner Oliver opposition quote Commissioner Oliver stated: 'A contraband cell phone can be used as a deadly weapon.' Tags: policy,contraband Sources: Georgia Prison Scamming and The Case for Monitor-Not-Block - [reported] GPS summary argument for monitor-not-block For an additional $90 per inmate per year — less than the price of a single contraband phone — Georgia can switch from a system that produces no intelligence and record violence, to a system that catches scammers, intercepts hit orders, prevents suicides, maintains families, and saves $73 million in reduced recidivism. Tags: policy,budget,contraband,reentry Sources: Georgia Prison Scamming and The Case for Monitor-Not-Block POLICYS (4) ---------------------------------------- - [confirmed] Georgia allows phones in 13 Transitional Centers since July 2016 Since July 1, 2016, all 13 Georgia Transitional Centers (~2,344 residents) allow personal cell phones. Residents buy their own phones and use them freely. Staff can search at any time under a signed waiver. Records are maintained of phone numbers, SIM cards, and carriers. Date: 2016-07-01 Tags: policy,contraband,facilities,reentry Sources: Georgia Prison Scamming and The Case for Monitor-Not-Block - [reported] GDC tried restricting TC phones in May 2022, reversed When GDC tried restricting Transitional Center phones in May 2022, backlash forced a reversal. Personal phones are currently allowed again. Date: 2022-05-01 Tags: policy,contraband Sources: Georgia Prison Scamming and The Case for Monitor-Not-Block - [reported] Finland Smart Prison model expanding to all 15 closed prisons Finland's Smart Prison model allows personal devices with monitored internet, email, and video access, and is expanding to all 15 closed prisons. Tags: policy Sources: Georgia Prison Scamming and The Case for Monitor-Not-Block - [reported] Three-phase advocacy strategy proposed GPS proposes a three-phase advocacy strategy: Phase 1 is a single-facility pilot, Phase 2 is data publication, and Phase 3 is system-wide expansion. No legislative action is needed at any point, as warden authorization under O.C.G.A. 42-5-18 is sufficient. Tags: policy,legal Sources: Georgia Prison Scamming and The Case for Monitor-Not-Block; O.C.G.A. 42-5-18 LEGAL FACTS (2) ---------------------------------------- - [confirmed] O.C.G.A. 42-5-18 does not absolutely prohibit phones O.C.G.A. 42-5-18 is titled 'Items prohibited for possession by inmates; warden's authorization; penalty.' The key language is 'without the authorization of the warden or superintendent or his or her designee.' The statute does not absolutely prohibit phones — it prohibits UNAUTHORIZED phones. Wardens already have statutory authority to authorize telecommunications devices. Tags: legal,policy,contraband Sources: O.C.G.A. 42-5-18 - [reported] No new legislation needed for monitor-not-block Implementation of the monitor-not-block approach requires no statutory amendment and no legislative action. The Commissioner issues a policy directive, wardens formally authorize registered devices, phones are logged (IMEI, SIM, carrier), MAS routes authorized devices through AI monitoring, and unauthorized devices remain blocked. Authority exists in statute, precedent exists at 12+ Transitional Centers, and infrastructure exists at 35 MAS facilities. Tags: legal,policy Sources: Georgia Prison Scamming and The Case for Monitor-Not-Block; O.C.G.A. 42-5-18 DATASETS (4) ---------------------------------------- # Georgia Prison Phone Scam Operations Summary of documented phone-based fraud operations originating from Georgia prisons Facility Scam Type Amount Stolen Victims Officers Involved ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Autry SP Jury duty scam 50+ indicted 15 Telfair SP Phone fraud (single inmate) 3500000 Calhoun SP Wire fraud (spoofed police numbers) 464920 119 in 6+ states Calhoun SP Iowa romance scam 500000 Healthcare workers Unknown Sextortion of military members 560000 440+ military members # Per-Inmate Cost Comparison: Blocking vs Monitoring Cost comparison between current MAS blocking approach and proposed monitoring approach Approach Low Estimate High Estimate ------------------------------------------------------------------ Current blocking (net of kickbacks) 443 556 Monitored access 583 646 Marginal premium 90 100 # International Prison Phone Models International comparisons of prison phone access policies and outcomes Country/State Policy Key Outcome ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- UK 50+ prisons with in-cell phones, all calls recorded 39% less reoffending Finland Personal devices with monitored internet/email/video Expanding to all 15 closed prisons Norway 30 min/week guaranteed phone access 20% recidivism vs US 43% Connecticut Free calls +128% call volume, families save $12M/year, $30/inmate/month # Drone Contraband Economy Economics of drone-delivered contraband in Georgia prisons Item Street Cost Prison Price ---------------------------------------------------------- Tobacco (6oz can) $50 $800-2,000 Marijuana (per pound) N/A $10,000 Cell phone N/A $800-1,200 Mixed 10-lb drop N/A $67,000-93,000 Drone operator fee per drop N/A $4,000-5,000 KEY ENTITIES (15) ---------------------------------------- - Autry State Prison [facility]: Georgia state prison with GCI shoe/boot manufacturing and garment operations. - Calhoun State Prison [facility]: Georgia state prison where two female correctional officers were arrested in 2020 for allegedly smuggling methamphetamine in Hot Pockets; cases dismissed due to GDC failure to test evidence. - Chris Carr [person]: Georgia Attorney General. National leader on cell phone jamming advocacy in prisons, heading coalitions of 23-31 state attorneys general pushing for federal authorization. - Commissioner Oliver [person]: Georgia Department of Corrections Commissioner who testified to legislators about salary increases and stated that 'trying to hire 2,600 people in a fiscal year is just not possible.' - GDC [organization]: Georgia state corrections department operating 12 reentry centers with 2,344 beds and various cognitive programming initiatives. (aka: Georgia Department of Corrections, Georgia DOC) - Georgia Transitional Centers [facility]: 13 GDC transitional centers housing ~2,344 residents that have allowed personal cell phones since July 1, 2016 (aka: TCs) - Homer Bryson [person]: Former GDC Commissioner who supported transitional center phone policies, stating it was important for residents to learn responsible use of technology (aka: Commissioner Homer Bryson) - Joey Amour Jackson [person]: Inmate convicted January 9, 2026 for conspiracy to commit wire fraud using contraband phones and VOIP from Calhoun State Prison - Lance Riddle [person]: Inmate convicted January 9, 2026 for conspiracy to commit wire fraud using contraband phones and VOIP from Calhoun State Prison - LEO Technologies [organization]: AI-powered call monitoring company using AWS cloud for speech-to-text, semantic analysis, and machine learning to detect criminal activity in prison phone calls. Georgia has contracted with them. - O.C.G.A. 42-5-18 [legislation]: Georgia statute titled 'Items prohibited for possession by inmates; warden's authorization; penalty' that prohibits unauthorized possession of items by inmates but grants wardens authority to authorize telecommunications devices - Robert 'Bo' Nnanwubas [person]: Inmate at Calhoun State Prison who impersonated federal agents targeting healthcare workers in Iowa romance scam stealing $500,000+ (aka: Bo Nnanwubas) - Tecore iNAC [organization]: Managed Access System technology provider whose iNAC system can distinguish and route pre-authorized device activity to commercial networks (aka: Tecore) - Telfair State Prison [facility]: Georgia state prison involved in Operation Ghost Busted (Desiree Briley) and Operation Night Drop drone smuggling network. - Trace-Tek [organization]: MAS system provider installed at Calhoun State Prison SOURCES (3) ---------------------------------------- - GDC Press Releases, Georgia Department of Corrections [press_release, primary] - Georgia Prison Scamming and The Case for Monitor-Not-Block, Georgia Prisoners' Speak (2026-04-03) [gps_original, primary] - O.C.G.A. 42-5-18, Official Code of Georgia Annotated [legislation, primary]