GPS RESEARCH LIBRARY: Smith State Prison: the public record, 2015 to 2026 ============================================================ Georgia Prisoners' Speak — gps.press Generated: 2026-10-24 16:38:07 EDT Research Date: 2026-10-21 Topic: Smith State Prison (Glennville): capacity, deaths and violence, prosecutions, lawsuits, staffing, money and audits JSON: https://gps.press/research-data/smith-state-prison-the-public-record-2015-to-2026/?format=json SUMMARY ---------------------------------------- This collection sets out facts from public sources on the subject in its title, drawn from Georgia, federal sources and other sources. Each entry gives a short statement, the exact passage from the source that supports it, and the source's title, web address and the date it was retrieved. Searches of a source that found no match are listed too, with the wordings that were tried. The entries record what each source said when it was retrieved. They aren't a complete account of the subject, and they don't add analysis or conclusions. LEGAL FACTS (33) ---------------------------------------- - [reported] Former warden Brian Adams indicted on multiple charges A Tattnall County Grand Jury returned an indictment against former Smith State Prison warden Brian Adams on May 13, 2026, charging him with one count of RICO violation, one count of false statements, two counts of tampering with evidence, and two counts of violation of oath by a public officer. Date: 2026-05-13 Tags: corruption,legal,investigations Sources: Former Georgia prison warden indicted in alleged contraband smuggling operation - [confirmed] Flournoy v. Smith State Prison dismissed for failure to prosecute In Flournoy v. Smith State Prison, the court adopted a magistrate's report and recommendation and dismissed the plaintiff's complaint without prejudice for failure to follow the court's order and failure to prosecute; the plaintiff was denied leave to proceed in forma pauperis on appeal. Date: 2023-10-17 Tags: legal,conditions Sources: Flournoy v. Smith State Prison, 2023-10-17 (court record via CourtListener) - [confirmed] Sanchez v. Smith State Prison dismissed for failure to state a claim In Sanchez v. Smith State Prison, a magistrate judge recommended dismissal of Adalberto Sanchez's complaint for failure to state a claim upon which relief may be granted, and the district judge adopted the recommendation. Date: 2013-06-26 Tags: legal,conditions Sources: Sanchez v. Smith State Prison, 2013-06-26 (court record via CourtListener) - [reported] Brian Adams alleged to have accepted money to move inmate Weekes out of solitary confinement As Warden of Smith State Prison, Brian Adams is alleged to have accepted money to move inmate Weekes out of solitary confinement as part of a bribery scheme. Date: 2026-05-13 Tags: corruption,solitary,legal,investigations Sources: Carr Indicts Former Prison Warden in Contraband Smuggling Operation | Office of the Attorney General - [reported] Brian Adams alleged to have accepted money to permit contraband into Smith State Prison As Warden, Brian Adams is alleged to have accepted money to permit contraband into Smith State Prison. Date: 2026-05-13 Tags: corruption,contraband,legal,investigations Sources: Carr Indicts Former Prison Warden in Contraband Smuggling Operation | Office of the Attorney General - [reported] Brian Adams alleged to have buried shanks and contraband cell phones in backyard to obstruct investigation As Warden, Brian 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. Date: 2026-05-13 Tags: corruption,contraband,gangs,legal,investigations Sources: Carr Indicts Former Prison Warden in Contraband Smuggling Operation | Office of the Attorney General - [reported] Federal docket United States v. Harris includes Kelvin Rogers, Robert Harris, Thomas Cothran In the federal docket United States v. Harris, defendants include Kelvin Rogers, Robert Harris, and Thomas Cothran. A court order dated 10/16/2025 by Magistrate Judge Brian K. Epps granted motion 116 to exclude and denied motion 117 to exclude as to these defendants. Date: 2025-10-16 Tags: legal,investigations Sources: United States v. HARRIS, 2025-10-16 (court record via CourtListener) - [reported] Kicklighter wrongful death suit targets former warden Adams and former officer Moore A wrongful death lawsuit filed by the family of Bobby C. Kicklighter against former Smith State Prison warden Brian Adams and former corrections officer Ireon Moore stems from Kicklighter's 2021 murder in an alleged botched murder-for-hire scheme connected to Smith State Prison. Date: 2021-01-01 Tags: legal,violence,corruption,investigations Sources: Georgia Court of Appeals Declines to Consider Fmr Smith State Prison Warden’s Appeal • The Georgia Virtue - [confirmed] Brian Adams indicted May 13, 2026 on RICO, false statements, evidence tampering, and oath violation charges The Attorney General's Prosecution Division presented evidence to a Tattnall County Grand Jury, which returned an indictment against Brian Adams on May 13, 2026, charging 1 count of Violation of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, 1 count of False Statements, 2 counts of Tampering with Evidence, and 2 counts of Violation of Oath by a Public Officer. Date: 2026-05-13 Tags: corruption,legal,investigations,contraband Sources: Carr Indicts Former Prison Warden in Contraband Smuggling Operation | Office of the Attorney General - [reported] Section 1983 complaint filed against Smith State Prison warden and staff Miguel Jackson and Kelvin Stevenson filed a Section 1983 civil rights complaint in federal court against Smith State Prison Warden Joseph Catanzariti and numerous other named correctional staff. Date: 2012-12-10 Tags: legal,conditions Sources: Jackson v. Catanzariti, 2012-12-10 (court record via CourtListener) - [reported] Judge Hallman found qualified-immunity arguments unpersuasive in Kicklighter case In the Kicklighter wrongful death case, Judge Ronald Hallman, a state court judge appointed to oversee the case in Tattnall County, found the defendants' qualified-immunity arguments 'unpersuasive' and that 'genuine disputes of material facts exist on multiple issues,' concluding a jury should decide. Tags: legal Sources: Georgia Court of Appeals Declines to Consider Fmr Smith State Prison Warden’s Appeal • The Georgia Virtue - [reported] Brian Adams alleged to have conducted money laundering transactions from bribery proceeds Adams is alleged to have conducted and attempted to conduct transactions involving the proceeds of unlawful activity (Bribery). Date: 2026-05-13 Tags: corruption,legal,investigations Sources: Carr Indicts Former Prison Warden in Contraband Smuggling Operation | Office of the Attorney General - [reported] Georgia Court of Appeals dismissed Adams and Moore appeals for lack of jurisdiction The Georgia Court of Appeals dismissed the appeals by former Smith State Prison warden Brian Adams and former officer Ireon Moore in the Kicklighter wrongful death case for lack of jurisdiction, sending the case back to Tattnall County for further action. Tags: legal Sources: Georgia Court of Appeals Declines to Consider Fmr Smith State Prison Warden’s Appeal • The Georgia Virtue - [reported] GDC sanctioned for discovery noncompliance in Kicklighter case In the Kicklighter civil case, Judge Hallman sanctioned the Georgia Department of Corrections for the agency's failure to comply with the discovery process in the Tattnall County case. Tags: legal,investigations,policy Sources: Georgia Court of Appeals Declines to Consider Fmr Smith State Prison Warden’s Appeal • The Georgia Virtue - [reported] Lawsuit alleges GDC staff warned of gun at Smith SP but failed to act before Grace killing A lawsuit filed by Deshonda Hagins, mother of Aureon Shavea Grace, alleges that Georgia Department of Corrections staff were warned there was a gun inside Smith State Prison but failed to act. The complaint states warnings came from inmates and were provided directly to multiple GDC officials, including during official investigations, and that no lockdown was initiated, no extensive search was conducted, and no protective measures were put in place. Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: legal,contraband,investigations,violence Sources: Lawsuit: Ga. prison staff was warned of gun used to kill kitchen worker - [reported] Hagins lawsuit seeks jury trial and unspecified compensation The lawsuit over Aureon Grace's death at Smith State Prison seeks a jury trial and an unspecified amount of compensation. Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: legal Sources: Lawsuit: Ga. prison staff was warned of gun used to kill kitchen worker - [reported] 2010 prison riot at Smith State Prison led to excessive force case The Eleventh Circuit described Jackson v. Catanzariti as a civil rights excessive force case arising out of a prison riot that occurred on December 31, 2010, at Smith State Prison in Glennville, Georgia. Date: 2010-12-31 Tags: violence,legal Sources: Miguel Jackson v. Joseph Catanzariti, U.S. Court of Appeals, 11th Circuit, 2025-11-17 (court record via CourtListener) - [confirmed] Drone conspiracy charge carries 10 years to life penalty The primary charge in each of the two drone-conspiracy indictments, conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute marijuana and methamphetamine, carries a statutory penalty of 10 years to life in prison. Tags: drugs,legal,contraband Sources: Pair of indictments charge conspiracies to use drones to deliver illegal drugs, contraband cell phones to Georgia prisons, U.S. Department of Justice, Southern District of Georgia, August 21, 2024 - [reported] Former Warden Brian Adams charged with bribery, false statements, RICO attempt Former Smith State Prison Warden Brian Adams was charged with False Statements and Writings, Violation of Oath by a Public Officer, Bribery, and Criminal Attempt - RICO Act in connection with the criminal enterprise uncovered during the Kicklighter investigation. Tags: corruption,legal,investigations Sources: Georgia Court of Appeals Declines to Consider Fmr Smith State Prison Warden’s Appeal • The Georgia Virtue - [reported] Kicklighter wrongful death suit filed in Tattnall County State Court The wrongful death lawsuit over Bobby Kicklighter's killing, seeking damages from former Warden Brian Adams and former Smith State Prison Corrections Officer Ireon Moore, was filed in Tattnall County State Court. Tags: legal Sources: Georgia Court of Appeals Declines to Consider Fmr Smith State Prison Warden’s Appeal • The Georgia Virtue - [reported] Court of Appeals declined Kicklighter case on procedural issue a year after request A year after two former Smith State Prison officials asked a higher court to halt the wrongful death lawsuit, the Georgia Court of Appeals said it would not hear the case because of a procedural issue. Tags: legal Sources: Georgia Court of Appeals Declines to Consider Fmr Smith State Prison Warden’s Appeal • The Georgia Virtue - [reported] Eleventh Circuit affirmed district court judgments in Jackson v. Catanzariti The Eleventh Circuit affirmed the district court's final judgments, holding the district court did not abuse its discretion in granting the Rule 41 dismissal or in its evidentiary rulings. Date: 2025-11-17 Tags: legal Sources: Miguel Jackson v. Joseph Catanzariti, U.S. Court of Appeals, 11th Circuit, 2025-11-17 (court record via CourtListener) - [reported] Plaintiffs voluntarily dismissed seven defendants before jury selection Just before jury selection, plaintiffs' counsel moved to voluntarily dismiss seven of the remaining defendants under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 41; the court granted the motion and imposed judgment in favor of seven defendants, leaving only Officers Catanzariti and Harrison. Date: 2023-01-01 Tags: legal Sources: Miguel Jackson v. Joseph Catanzariti, U.S. Court of Appeals, 11th Circuit, 2025-11-17 (court record via CourtListener) - [confirmed] Heath v. Adams dismissed without prejudice A federal civil rights case, Heath v. Adams, filed in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Georgia, was dismissed without prejudice. Date: 2023-10-03 Tags: legal,conditions Sources: Heath v. Adams, 2023-10-03 (court record via CourtListener) - [reported] Kicklighter suit alleges Adams and Moore allowed illegal mobile phone use The Kicklighter civil suit alleges that defendants Adams and Moore 'allowed, tolerated, and assisted in the illegal use of mobile phones' that facilitated communicating a plot against a correctional officer, and that the conspiracy would not have been carried out had defendants enforced federal and state law and GDC's operating procedures. Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: legal,contraband,corruption,policy Sources: Judge Denies Former Warden's Request to Dismiss Civil Suit, Says a Jury Should Decide, The Georgia Virtue - [reported] Judge Hallman denied motion to dismiss Kicklighter suit in July 2024 In July 2024, Judge Hallman denied Adams' and Moore's motion to dismiss the Kicklighter civil suit, and the Georgia Court of Appeals denied a request to review the case in August 2024. Date: 2024-07-01 Tags: legal Sources: Judge Denies Former Warden's Request to Dismiss Civil Suit, Says a Jury Should Decide, The Georgia Virtue - [confirmed] Lynn v. Ward sought transfer from Smith State Prison In Lynn v. Ward, the plaintiff sought injunctive relief requiring his transfer from Smith State Prison. Tags: legal,transfers,conditions Sources: Lynn v. Ward, 2022-07-26 (court record via CourtListener) - [confirmed] Daniel v. Kilpatrick claims proceeded past screening but summary judgment granted to defendants In Daniel v. Kilpatrick, the plaintiff's excessive force, deliberate indifference, and retaliation claims against defendants Rivera, Clark, Smith, and Kilpatrick were allowed to proceed past screening, but the court later granted the defendants' motion for summary judgment. Date: 2020-02-14 Tags: legal,violence,medical Sources: Daniel v. Kilpatrick, 2020-02-14 (court record via CourtListener) - [confirmed] Lynn v. Ward: Eighth Amendment claim survives, GDC dismissed In Lynn v. Ward (S.D. Ga., Statesboro Division), the court allowed the plaintiff's Eighth Amendment claim against defendants Williams, Thomas, Wilcox, and Ward to proceed while dismissing the claims against other named defendants and the Georgia Department of Corrections. Date: 2024-04-16 Tags: legal,conditions,facilities Sources: Lynn v. Ward, 2024-04-16 (court record via CourtListener) - [confirmed] Amerson v. Bland multiple claims allowed to proceed past screening In Amerson v. Bland, the court allowed the plaintiff's unsafe-prison-conditions claim against Kilpatrick, Byrd, and Smith, excessive-force and retaliation claim against Waycaster, medical deliberate-indifference claim against Waycaster and Sgt. Quan Jackson, and failure-to-intervene claim against Sumner to proceed past initial screening. Date: 2020-11-13 Tags: legal,conditions,violence,medical Sources: Amerson v. Bland, 2020-11-13 (court record via CourtListener) - [confirmed] Jury trial held in Jackson v. Catanzariti A jury trial in Jackson v. Catanzariti was held before Chief Judge J. Randal Hall on June 15, 2023. Date: 2023-06-15 Tags: legal Sources: Jackson v. Catanzariti, 2023-06-15 (court record via CourtListener) - [confirmed] Stephens v. Smith State Prison dismissed for failure to prosecute In Stephens v. Smith State Prison, the court dismissed the complaint without prejudice for failure to follow the court's order and failure to prosecute, and denied the plaintiff leave to appeal in forma pauperis. Date: 2026-03-30 Tags: legal Sources: Stephens v. Smith State Prison, 2026-03-30 (court record via CourtListener) - [confirmed] Argueta v. Smith State Prison dismissed for failure to state a claim In Argueta v. Smith State Prison, a magistrate judge recommended that the complaint filed by Enio Humberto Argueta be dismissed for failure to state a claim upon which relief may be granted, and the district judge adopted that recommendation and closed the case. Date: 2024-07-09 Tags: legal Sources: Argueta v. Smith State Prison, 2024-07-09 (court record via CourtListener) CASE DETAILS (118) ---------------------------------------- - [reported] Aramark employee Aureon Grace killed by inmate Jaydrekus Hart at Smith State Prison Aramark food service employee Aureon Grace was killed while on the job at Smith State Prison; investigators said that in the early morning hours of June 16, inmate Jaydrekus Hart shot Grace and then shot himself. Tags: violence,death,staffing,contraband Sources: Exclusive: Attorney for Aureon Grace’s family speaks about Smith State Prison murder-suicide | WSAV-TV - [reported] DOJ report: Inmate tied up, beaten, waterboarded by cellmate at Smith SP (May 2020) The DOJ's findings report states that at Smith State Prison, in May 2020, GDC staff informed emergency services responders that an incarcerated person had been tied up, beaten, and waterboarded by his cellmate. The cellmate also inserted multiple bars of soap into the victim's rectum; one bar covered in stool and blood had already fallen out. The victim suffered multiple contusions to his face and chest, was bleeding heavily from his nose and mouth, had ligature marks on his neck, and still had makeshift binding around his wrist. Date: 2020-05-01 Tags: violence,conditions,investigations Sources: DOJ Findings Report: Investigation of Georgia Prisons (October 2024) - [reported] Aramark employee Aureon Grace shot and killed at Smith State Prison An inmate, Jaydrekus Hart, shot Aramark food service employee Aureon Grace, 24, of Statesboro, while she was working in the kitchen at Smith State Prison around 4:30 a.m. on a Sunday, per a WTOC story published June 16, 2024. Grace was pronounced dead at the scene; Hart turned the gun on himself and later died from his injuries at a local hospital. Date: 2024-06-16 Tags: violence,death,staffing,contraband,facilities Sources: Statesboro woman killed after Smith State Prison incident - [confirmed] Charles Mims promoted to Warden of Smith State Prison effective July 16, 2025 GDC Commissioner Tyrone Oliver announced the promotion of Charles Mims, Warden at Wilcox State Prison, to Warden at Smith State Prison, effective July 16, 2025. Date: 2025-07-10 Tags: staffing,facilities,operations Sources: New Warden at Smith State Prison | Georgia Department of Corrections, new warden smith state prison [3] - [reported] Justin Nathaniel Wilkerson death at Smith State Prison Justin Nathaniel Wilkerson, 25, died January 5, 2021 at Smith State Prison of asphyxia/neck compression. During a hearing at the Georgia Legislature, his mother testified he had mental health diagnoses of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder and had previously been attacked in prison. Date: 2021-01-05 Tags: death,mental_health,violence,facilities Sources: Ga prison homicides: A list of those killed in Georgia's prison system - [confirmed] Officer Robert Clark killed at Smith State Prison Correctional officer Robert Clark, 42, died at a hospital after an inmate assaulted him with a homemade weapon at Smith State Prison in Glennville; GDC said Clark was escorting two inmates from the dining hall when one attacked him from behind, and a second inmate who tried to help was also wounded with non-life-threatening injuries. Tags: violence,staffing,death,facilities Sources: Inmate accused of killing corrections officer at Smith State Prison in Glennville - Statesboro Herald - [reported] Former Smith State Prison warden Brian Adams indicted Brian Adams, 52, of Waycross, Georgia, former warden of Smith State Prison in Glennville, was indicted in Tattnall County on charges of violating the RICO Act, false statements, tampering with evidence, and violation of oath by a public officer. According to Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr, the charges relate to an alleged contraband smuggling operation tied to inmate Nathan Weekes and a prison gang known as YSL Squad. Tags: corruption,contraband,gangs,investigations,legal Sources: Former Smith State Prison warden indicted in Tattnall County | WSAV-TV - [reported] Adams alleged to have buried contraband to obstruct investigation Brian 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 the YSL Squad at Smith State Prison. Date: 2026-01-01 Tags: corruption,contraband,investigations Sources: Former Georgia prison warden indicted in alleged contraband smuggling operation - [reported] DOJ report: Smith SP lockdown before inspection due to armed fight, 7 hospitalized (March 27, 2023) The DOJ's findings report states that on March 27, 2023, Smith State Prison went into lockdown immediately before a DOJ site inspection. GDC imposed the lockdown because of a fight with weapons early that morning following the serving of a Ramadan breakfast inside the D-2 dorm. Seven individuals required hospitalization, two by air evacuation. Date: 2023-03-27 Tags: violence,investigations,operations Sources: DOJ Findings Report: Investigation of Georgia Prisons (October 2024) - [reported] Aureon Grace began employment at Smith State Prison in January 2024 Aureon Grace, the Aramark food service employee killed at Smith State Prison in June 2024, began her employment at the prison in January 2024, according to WTOC. Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: staffing,facilities Sources: Statesboro woman killed after Smith State Prison incident - [reported] Desmond Hill death at Smith State Prison Desmond Hill, 35, died April 9, 2021 at Smith State Prison of strangulation. According to a family member, the day before his death he called his mother and reported he was in 'the hole' with a cellmate who said he was going to kill him. Date: 2021-04-09 Tags: death,violence,solitary,facilities Sources: Ga prison homicides: A list of those killed in Georgia's prison system - [reported] Yolanda Byrd promoted to Deputy Warden of Security at Smith SP GDC Interim Commissioner Timothy C. Ward announced the promotion of Yolanda Byrd to Deputy Warden of Security at Smith State Prison, effective December 1, 2018. Date: 2018-12-01 Tags: staffing,facilities Sources: New Deputy Warden of Security at Smith State Prison | Georgia Department of Corrections, new deputy warden security smith state prison [1] - [confirmed] Layton Lester identified as attacker of Officer Clark GDC identified the inmate who fatally attacked officer Robert Clark as Layton Lester, who was serving a life sentence stemming from a 2007 killing and armed robbery in Tift County. Tags: violence,death,facilities Sources: Inmate accused of killing corrections officer at Smith State Prison in Glennville - Statesboro Herald - [confirmed] Brian Adams promoted to Warden at Smith State Prison GDC Commissioner Timothy C. Ward announced the promotion of Brian Adams, Superintendent at Appling Integrated Treatment Facility, to Warden at Smith State Prison, effective October 1, 2019. Date: 2019-10-01 Tags: staffing,operations Sources: New Warden at Smith State Prison | Georgia Department of Corrections, new warden smith state prison [4] - [reported] Federal drone-smuggling indictment names Smith State Prison inmate Kelvin Rogers A federal indictment named Kelvin Rogers, also known as 'Gangsta,' 38, currently incarcerated at Smith State Prison in Glennville, Georgia, as a defendant in a conspiracy to use drones to deliver drugs and contraband cell phones to Georgia prisons. Tags: drugs,contraband,investigations,legal Sources: Pair of indictments charge conspiracies to use drones to deliver illegal drugs, contraband cell phones to Georgia prisons, U.S. Department of Justice, Southern District of Georgia, August 21, 2024 - [reported] Kemp hired Guidehouse amid Smith State Prison kitchen worker shooting The AJC reported that Governor Kemp's announcement of a Guidehouse Inc. assessment of Georgia's prison system came amid the fatal shooting of a kitchen worker by a prisoner at Smith State Prison on a Sunday. Tags: violence,death,investigations Sources: Gov. Brian Kemp hires consultants to examine troubled Georgia state prison system - [reported] Indictment describes Yves Saint Laurent Squad as contraband-smuggling gang at Smith State Prison An indictment establishes Weekes, Kraft, and Jones as members of the 'Yves Saint Laurent Squad,' described as a group that profits from smuggling contraband into Smith State Prison and uses violence to do it; Weekes, who entered Smith State Prison in 2019, is listed as the group's president and has claimed 'it is his prison.' Tags: gangs,contraband,violence,investigations Sources: Multiple murders connected to gang in Smith State Prison, according to indictment - [reported] DOJ report: Gang fight after warden's arrest injures 9 at Smith SP (February 8, 2023) The DOJ's findings report states that hours after the arrest of Smith State Prison's Warden, Brian Adams, was announced on February 8, 2023, a gang fight broke out in a housing unit at Smith. Nine incarcerated persons were injured from stabbing wounds, six requiring hospitalization, with two of those sent out by airlift. Almost 90 minutes elapsed between when staff first observed the fighting and when the first wounded person was airlifted to a hospital. Date: 2023-02-08 Tags: violence,gangs,corruption,investigations Sources: DOJ Findings Report: Investigation of Georgia Prisons (October 2024) - [reported] Brian Adams named Warden of Smith State Prison October 1, 2019 The Georgia Virtue reported that Brian Adams was named Warden of Smith State Prison on October 1, 2019, following 'a summer full of riots and extreme gang violence at Smith SP, which resulted in a host of murders inside the walls as well as dozens of criminal indictments for the riots and violence.' Date: 2019-10-01 Tags: staffing,violence,gangs,corruption,facilities Sources: 1 Prison, 3 Murders, and 7 Arrests: Here’s What We Know 2 Years Later • The Georgia Virtue - [reported] Hiwatha Abdulcah Hakeem Jr. death at Smith State Prison Hiwatha Abdulcah Hakeem Jr., 26, died April 12, 2021 at Smith State Prison of multiple stab wounds. An incident report shows four other prisoners involved. A lawsuit alleges the four attackers had a history of violence and that prison officials failed to provide timely and adequate medical care after the assault. Date: 2021-04-12 Tags: death,violence,medical,legal,facilities Sources: Ga prison homicides: A list of those killed in Georgia's prison system - [reported] Eric Cox promoted to Deputy Warden of Security at Smith SP GDC Commissioner Timothy C. Ward announced the promotion of Eric Cox to Deputy Warden of Security at Smith State Prison effective February 1, 2021. Date: 2021-02-01 Tags: staffing,facilities Sources: New Deputy Warden of Security at Smith State Prison | Georgia Department of Corrections, new deputy warden security smith state prison [2] - [reported] Christopher Ray Reynolds died at Smith State Prison July 1, 2021 Christopher Ray Reynolds, 38, died July 1, 2021 at Smith State Prison of blunt and sharp force injuries to the head and neck, according to the AJC's list of prison homicides. Date: 2021-07-01 Tags: death,violence,facilities Sources: Ga prison homicides: A list of those killed in Georgia's prison system - [confirmed] Layton Lester's underlying sentence Layton Lester, the inmate charged in corrections officer Robert Clark's death at Smith State Prison, was serving a life sentence for a murder conviction stemming from a 2007 killing and armed robbery in Tift County. Tags: violence,death Sources: Inmate accused of killing corrections officer at Smith State Prison in Glennville - Statesboro Herald - [reported] Warden Brian Adams booked into Tattnall County Jail Brian Dennis Adams, Warden at Smith State Prison, was booked into the Tattnall County Jail on February 8, 2023, following a Georgia Bureau of Investigation probe. Date: 2023-02-08 Tags: corruption,investigations,staffing Sources: Brian Adams, Warden at Smith State Prison in Glennville, Arrested by GBI • The Georgia Virtue - [reported] Operation Night Drop indicts 23 defendants for drone deliveries to Georgia prisons Two newly unsealed federal indictments, USA v. Hall et al and USA v. Harris et al, charge 23 defendants in widespread conspiracies that used drones to deliver methamphetamine, marijuana, and cell phones to Georgia state prisons, under an investigation called Operation Night Drop. One defendant, Kelvin Rogers, is listed as currently incarcerated at Smith State Prison in Glennville, Ga. Tags: drugs,contraband,investigations,legal Sources: Pair of indictments charge conspiracies to use drones to deliver illegal drugs, contraband cell phones to Georgia prisons, U.S. Department of Justice, Southern District of Georgia, August 21, 2024 - [confirmed] Inmate Jaydrekus Hart fatally shoots Aramark worker at Smith SP (June 16, 2024) On June 16, 2024, a Georgia state prison inmate shot and killed an Aramark food service employee at Smith State Prison in Glennville, then shot himself. GDC identified the inmate as Jaydrekus Hart. Hart shot the employee while working in the prison kitchen at 4:30 a.m., according to GDC. The inmate then shot himself and was pronounced dead at a local hospital. Date: 2024-06-16 Tags: violence,death,staffing,contraband Sources: Inmate fatally shoots food service worker at a South Georgia state prison - [reported] Correctional Officer Robert Danford Clark death at Smith State Prison Correctional Officer Robert Danford Clark, 42, died October 1, 2023 at Smith State Prison of multiple stab wounds. He was attacked by an inmate. Date: 2023-10-01 Tags: death,violence,staffing,facilities Sources: Ga prison homicides: A list of those killed in Georgia's prison system - [reported] Brianna Edwards promoted to Deputy Warden of Security at Smith SP GDC Commissioner Tyrone Oliver announced the promotion of Brianna Edwards, Unit Manager at Smith State Prison, to Deputy Warden of Security at Smith State Prison, effective July 1, 2026. Date: 2026-07-01 Tags: staffing,facilities Sources: New Deputy Warden of Security at Smith State Prison | Georgia Department of Corrections, new deputy warden security smith state prison [3] - [reported] Anthony Joseph Zino III died at Smith State Prison April 5, 2023 Anthony Joseph Zino III, 71, died April 5, 2023 at Smith State Prison of asphyxia and neck compression inflicted by another. The local coroner noted the body was badly decomposed and the man likely had been dead for days before discovery, per the AJC's homicide list. Date: 2023-04-05 Tags: death,violence,conditions,facilities Sources: Ga prison homicides: A list of those killed in Georgia's prison system - [confirmed] Yolanda Byrd promoted to Deputy Warden of Security GDC Interim Commissioner Timothy C. Ward announced the promotion of Yolanda Byrd to Deputy Warden of Security at Smith State Prison, effective December 1, 2018. Date: 2018-12-01 Tags: staffing,operations Sources: New Deputy Warden of Security at Smith State Prison | Georgia Department of Corrections, new deputy warden security smith state prison [4] - [reported] Officer Julia Roberts alleges retaliation for refusing contraband Julia Roberts, a Correctional Officer II at Smith State Prison in charge of incoming and outgoing mail and contraband enforcement, alleged in her complaint that her refusal to allow unauthorized contraband into the institution resulted in bullying, harassment and retaliation from the Warden. Tags: corruption,contraband,staffing,legal Sources: In the Superior Court of Fulton County - [confirmed] Aramark worker killed at Smith SP identified as Aureon Shavea Grace, 24 GDC identified the Aramark worker killed in the June 2024 Smith State Prison shooting as Aureon Shavea Grace, age 24, of Statesboro. She died at the scene according to Tattnall County Coroner Bradley Anderson. Date: 2024-06-16 Tags: death,violence Sources: Inmate fatally shoots food service worker at a South Georgia state prison - [reported] Willesha Warren promoted to Deputy Warden of Care and Treatment at Smith SP GDC Commissioner Timothy C. Ward announced the promotion of Willesha Warren to Deputy Warden of Care and Treatment at Smith State Prison effective February 15, 2022. Date: 2022-02-15 Tags: staffing,facilities,medical Sources: New Deputy Warden of Care and Treatment at Smith State Prison | Georgia Department of Corrections, new deputy warden care and treatment smith state prison [1] - [confirmed] Douglas Williams reassigned as Warden of Smith State Prison GDC Commissioner Brian Owens announced the reassignment of Douglas Williams, formerly Warden of Dodge State Prison, as the new Warden of Smith State Prison effective January 1, 2015. Date: 2015-01-01 Tags: staffing,operations Sources: New Warden Named at Smith State Prison | Georgia Department of Corrections - [reported] Andrew Phillips worked 16-hour shifts at Smith State Prison starting in 2021 In 2021, Andrew Phillips took a job at Georgia's Smith State Prison where he often had to work 16-hour shifts, five days a week, for pay that he says left him struggling financially. Date: 2021-01-01 Tags: staffing,operations Sources: Data Reveals Prison Crisis: More Prisoners, Fewer Correctional Officers | The Marshall Project - [reported] Roberts complaint references now-indicted Warden receiving contraband The Julia Roberts complaint references a now-indicted Warden and other Smith State Prison staff members who were receiving the contraband Roberts refused to let in. Tags: corruption,contraband,staffing,investigations Sources: In the Superior Court of Fulton County - [reported] Drone meth drop at Smith State Prison, August 24, 2020 The Georgia Virtue reported that on August 24, 2020, Deldrick Jones used a drone to drop methamphetamine onto the grounds of Smith State Prison, and that court records suggest Jones was recruited by Jessica Gerling and Nathan Weekes. Date: 2020-08-24 Tags: drugs,contraband,operations Sources: 1 Prison, 3 Murders, and 7 Arrests: Here’s What We Know 2 Years Later • The Georgia Virtue - [reported] Kelvin Rogers named in USA v. Harris indictment Kelvin Rogers, a/k/a 'Gangsta,' 38, was named as a defendant charged with conspiracy in the federal indictment USA v. Harris, et al., and is currently incarcerated at Smith State Prison in Glennville, Ga. Tags: legal,investigations Sources: Inmates Linked to Smith State Prison Murder-RICO Case Indicted on Federal Charges • The Georgia Virtue - [reported] Operation Skyhawk arrests 150 suspects including 8 GDC employees Operation Skyhawk led to the arrest of 150 suspects, including eight GDC employees who were immediately terminated, with over 1,000 criminal charges stemming from contraband introduction, drug trafficking, and felony offenses. Tags: contraband,corruption,drugs,investigations Sources: Governor's Office — Operation Skyhawk (2024) - [reported] Andrew Phillips was sole officer for 600 men and left job in February 2023 About a year into his job at Smith State Prison, Andrew Phillips worked a particularly difficult shift in which he was the only officer assigned to an area with 600 men, and he eventually left his job in February 2023. Tags: staffing,operations Sources: Data Reveals Prison Crisis: More Prisoners, Fewer Correctional Officers | The Marshall Project - [reported] Statewide GDC lockdown after gang-related fights A GDC spokesperson told WGXA that 'gang-related' fights at Smith, Wilcox, Hays, and Valdosta State Prisons resulted in a total of five inmates being sent to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries on a Wednesday, prompting a statewide GDC lockdown. Tags: violence,gangs,facilities,operations Sources: GDC prisons locked down statewide after multiple inmates injured in 'gang-related' fights Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility, gdc prisons locked down statewide after multiple inmates injured in gang related fights smith wilcox hays valdosta state prisons 11 inmates injured airlifted georgia department of corrections lockdown caution investigation [2] - [confirmed] Officer Clark assaulted with homemade weapon while escorting inmates According to GDC, Correctional Officer Robert Clark was escorting two inmates from the dining hall at Smith State Prison when one inmate assaulted Clark from behind with a homemade weapon; the other inmate tried to step in to assist Clark but was also assaulted. Tags: violence,death,facilities Sources: Correctional officer dies after attack from inmate at Smith State Prison - [reported] Tarmarshe Smith promoted to Deputy Warden of Security in 2016 A GDC press release bio states that in 2016, Tarmarshe Smith was promoted to Deputy Warden of Security at Smith State Prison. Date: 2016-01-01 Tags: staffing,operations Sources: New Warden at Calhoun State Prison | Georgia Department of Corrections, new warden calhoun state prison [4] - [reported] Long County grand jury indicts three for murder of Jessica Gerling A Long County grand jury indicted Nathan Weekes, Dennis Kraft, and Keisha Jones on charges including malice murder, felony murder, and aggravated assault in connection with the June 2021 death of Jessica Gerling, who the indictment identifies as a member of the 'Yves Saint Laurent Squad' gang tied to Smith State Prison. Tags: violence,gangs,legal Sources: Multiple murders connected to gang in Smith State Prison, according to indictment - [confirmed] Douglas Williams listed as Warden of Smith State Prison at April 13, 2017 Board of Corrections meeting Board of Corrections minutes list among those present Mr. Douglas Williams, Warden of Smith State Prison, at the April 13, 2017 meeting. Date: 2017-04-13 Tags: staffing,facilities Sources: Board of Corrections, board meeting minutes april 2017 - [reported] Inmate injured at Smith State Prison returned to facility GDC told WGXA that one inmate injured at Smith State Prison had returned to the facility by the time of the report. Tags: violence,facilities Sources: GDC prisons locked down statewide after multiple inmates injured in 'gang-related' fights Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility, gdc prisons locked down statewide after multiple inmates injured in gang related fights smith wilcox hays valdosta state prisons 11 inmates injured airlifted georgia department of corrections lockdown caution investigation [2] - [confirmed] Former Warden Brian Adams indicted in contraband smuggling operation 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. Date: 2026-05-13 Tags: corruption,contraband,gangs,investigations Sources: Carr Indicts Former Prison Warden in Contraband Smuggling Operation | Office of the Attorney General; Former Georgia prison warden indicted in alleged contraband smuggling operation - [reported] Murder victim Jessica Gerling was corrections officer who smuggled for gang Jessica Gerling, the murder victim, worked as a Corrections Officer at Smith State Prison while carrying on a romantic relationship with Nathan Weekes, and was fired in June 2020 for smuggling marijuana for the gang to sell to inmates, according to the indictment reported by WTOC. Date: 2020-06-01 Tags: corruption,contraband,gangs,staffing Sources: Multiple murders connected to gang in Smith State Prison, according to indictment - [reported] Shafer death investigated as homicide by GDC OPS GDC said the Shafer death was being investigated as a homicide by GDC's Office of Professional Standards, with the body turned over to the county coroner for transport to the GBI crime lab to determine cause of death, pending autopsy results. Date: 2026-02-01 Tags: death,investigations Sources: Smith State Prison inmate dead following altercation with another inmate, officials say - [reported] Officer Ireon Moore arrested with $29,000 cash entering Smith State Prison Ireon Moore, a GDC employee since March 2020, was arrested in April 2021 for entering Smith State Prison with $29,000 in cash; while her vehicle was searched by GDC investigators, her cell phone received a call from an inmate using a contraband phone inside Smith SP. Date: 2021-04-01 Tags: corruption,contraband,staffing,investigations Sources: Georgia Court of Appeals Declines to Consider Fmr Smith State Prison Warden’s Appeal • The Georgia Virtue - [reported] Leaked video of stabbing at Smith State Prison The Georgia Virtue reported a video leaked from Smith State Prison showing 'a violent inmate-on-inmate fight from Friday that ultimately sent four to the hospital,' with several inmates with knives and shanks stabbing another inmate on the ground repeatedly, and no corrections officers visible in the video. Tags: violence,contraband,staffing,facilities Sources: Video Shows Stabbing at Smith State Prison • The Georgia Virtue - [confirmed] Layton Lester charged in Clark death and Willingham assault GDC announced that Offender Layton Lester, GDC# 1000168433, would be charged in the assault and resulting death of Officer Robert Clark, as well as the assault of offender Marko Willingham, GDC# 1137040. Tags: violence,death,legal Sources: CORRECTIONAL OFFICER KILLED | Georgia Department of Corrections - [reported] Indictment links January 2021 Bobby Kicklighter murder to YSL Squad The indictment reported by WTOC also connects the January 2021 death of Bobby Kicklighter in Tattnall County to the Yves Saint Laurent Squad, with Keisha Jones, Christopher Sumlin, Nathan Weekes, and Aerial Murphy already charged with that murder. Investigators have called this a case of mistaken identity, with the intended target being a corrections officer who once lived on the same street. Date: 2021-01-01 Tags: violence,gangs,legal Sources: Multiple murders connected to gang in Smith State Prison, according to indictment - [confirmed] Operation Night Drop indictments charge 23 defendants for drone drug delivery Two newly unsealed federal indictments, USA v. Hall, et al. and USA v. Harris, et al., charge 23 defendants in conspiracies that used drones to deliver methamphetamine, marijuana, and cell phones to Georgia state prisons, part of Operation Night Drop. Tags: drugs,contraband,investigations,corruption Sources: Pair of indictments charge conspiracies to use drones to deliver illegal drugs, contraband cell phones to Georgia prisons, U.S. Department of Justice, Southern District of Georgia, August 21, 2024 - [reported] Bobby Kicklighter, 88, murdered January 30, 2021 in botched murder-for-hire 88-year-old Bobby Kicklighter was murdered in his home on January 30, 2021 in a botched murder-for-hire scheme intended for Kicklighter's neighbor, a corrections officer at Smith State Prison. Date: 2021-01-30 Tags: violence,corruption,investigations Sources: Georgia Court of Appeals Declines to Consider Fmr Smith State Prison Warden’s Appeal • The Georgia Virtue - [reported] Stabbing death of 31-year-old inmate at Smith State Prison The Georgia Virtue reported that a Friday stabbing/fight at Smith State Prison followed another stabbing the preceding Wednesday that left a 31-year-old inmate dead, with GDC saying only that it was being investigated as a homicide. Tags: death,violence,investigations,facilities Sources: Video Shows Stabbing at Smith State Prison • The Georgia Virtue - [reported] PREA cycle 4 onsite audit dates The onsite portion of the PREA audit of Smith State Prison ran from 2025-02-03 to 2025-02-06. Date: 2025-02-01 Tags: legal,investigations Sources: PREA Smith SP Audit Cycle 4 - [reported] Indictment connects Jerry Lee Davis murder to YSL Squad The indictment connects the murder of Jerry Lee Davis, a Wayne County man killed in 2021, stating that Weekes, Gerling, and Christopher Sumlin killed him. Date: 2021-01-01 Tags: violence,gangs,legal Sources: Multiple murders connected to gang in Smith State Prison, according to indictment - [reported] Jaydrekus Hart was serving 20 years for voluntary manslaughter, max release June 2043 Inmate Jaydrekus Hart, who shot and killed Aureon Grace, was serving 20 years for voluntary manslaughter out of Carroll County with a maximum release date of June 2043, the GDC said. Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: legal,violence Sources: Lawsuit: Ga. prison staff was warned of gun used to kill kitchen worker - [reported] Additional stabbing and assault at Smith State Prison First responders transported two individuals on Monday of the same week for a stabbing and an assault with a pipe at Smith State Prison. Tags: violence,medical,facilities Sources: Video Shows Stabbing at Smith State Prison • The Georgia Virtue - [reported] Smith SP lockdown before DOJ inspection March 27, 2023 The DOJ's investigation report on Georgia prisons found that on March 27, 2023, Smith State Prison went into lockdown immediately before a DOJ site inspection, which GDC imposed because of a fight with weapons that morning following the serving of a Ramadan breakfast. Date: 2023-03-27 Tags: violence,investigations,operations Sources: CRIPA Investigation of Georgia Prisons - [confirmed] GBI investigation into Smith State Prison corruption requested May 31, 2022 On Tuesday, May 31, 2022, the Georgia Attorney General's Office requested the GBI to investigate corruption at Smith State Prison based on evidence discovered while conducting a murder investigation. Date: 2022-05-31 Tags: corruption,investigations,violence Sources: GBI Arrests Georgia Department of Corrections Warden on RICO Charges | Georgia Bureau of Investigation - [reported] Guidehouse hired after Smith State Prison homicide Capitol Beat News Service reported that many of the spending recommendations Georgia Commissioner of Corrections Tyrone Oliver outlined came from Guidehouse Inc., 'a consultant the state hired last June after an inmate at Smith State Prison in Glennville shot and killed a food-service worker before turning the gun on himself.' Tags: investigations,violence,corruption Sources: State prisons chief seeking $372M for safety upgrades - [reported] May 2020 Smith SP waterboarding and assault by cellmate The DOJ's investigation report on Georgia prisons found that in May 2020 at Smith State Prison, GDC staff informed emergency services responders that an incarcerated person had been tied up, beaten, and waterboarded by his cellmate, who also inserted multiple bars of soap. Date: 2020-05-01 Tags: violence,conditions Sources: CRIPA Investigation of Georgia Prisons - [confirmed] Nathan Weekes indicted April 25, 2022 with three others On April 25, 2022, Nathan Weekes, a Georgia Department of Corrections inmate, along with three other people, were indicted on numerous charges to include conspiracy to commit murder. Date: 2022-04-25 Tags: violence,legal,investigations Sources: GBI Arrests Georgia Department of Corrections Warden on RICO Charges | Georgia Bureau of Investigation - [reported] Inmates Jackson and Stevenson housed in Dormitory D-2 with ~95 others Jackson and Stevenson were both inmates at Smith State Prison, with Jackson serving a fifty-year term for three armed robberies and Stevenson serving a twenty-year sentence for rape, both housed in Dormitory D-2 with approximately ninety-five other inmates. Date: 2010-01-01 Tags: conditions,facilities Sources: Miguel Jackson v. Joseph Catanzariti, U.S. Court of Appeals, 11th Circuit, 2025-11-17 (court record via CourtListener) - [confirmed] Inmate George Lo at Smith State Prison indicted for drone smuggling conspiracy George Lo, 27, described as an inmate currently at Smith State Prison in Glennville, Ga., was indicted along with his brother Nicholas Lo and Cheikh Hassane Toure on a charge of Conspiracy, with George Lo and Nicholas Lo also charged with Owning an Unregistered Aircraft. Tags: contraband,drugs,investigations Sources: