Sumter Man Arrested for Drone Delivery of Contraband to Prison

Sumter Man Arrested for Drone Delivery to Prison

In the vibrant city of Sumter, South Carolina, an unusual incident has unfolded that connects technology with a rather surprising crime. On April 16, authorities arrested a 34-year-old local resident, Rodney C. Butler, who had allegedly flown a drone carrying contraband into the Broad River Correctional Institution. The South Carolina Department of Corrections announced the arrest, explaining that Butler faced significant charges including providing contraband to an inmate and criminal conspiracy.

The Incident

This bizarre episode took place at a well-known high-security prison located on Broad River Road, near the junction with Interstate 20. According to the corrections department, Butler coordinated a plan to drop a package inside the prison yard, using text messages to communicate with multiple inmates who were in possession of illegal contraband cell phones. The intriguing part? While the exact nature of the contraband wasn’t disclosed, the very act of using a drone added a new twist to prison smuggling methods.

How It All Went Down

On that fateful day, a drone alert was issued at Broad River Correctional Institution, triggering a quick response from the authorities. The Richland County Sheriff’s Department stepped in and apprehended Butler while he was still in his vehicle. Law enforcement officers conducted a search and discovered a DJI Inspire 2, a specific type of drone that had been identified in the alert system. Not surprisingly, this high-tech gadget was flying over the prison during the incident, and investigators confirmed its involvement.

Legal Proceedings

Butler was arrested shortly thereafter, and court records confirmed his booking on Tuesday. The sum of his charges resulted in a bond being set at $15,000, which he diligently posted the following day. It seems he is due back in court for further proceedings scheduled for December 13. Certainly, this case has caught the attention of those who pay close attention to local news, and it raises some eyebrows about the lengths people will go to in the name of questionable decisions.

About Broad River Correctional Institution

For those unfamiliar, the Broad River Correctional Institution operates as a close (high-security) and medium-security facility. Primarily designed to house violent offenders serving longer sentences, the facility also accommodates inmates who may exhibit behavioral issues. Regular residents may not be aware of the ongoing efforts to maintain safety and order within such institutions, but incidents like Butler’s challenge the efforts made by various authorities.

Conclusion

The situation serves as a reminder of how evolving technology can intersect with crime in unexpected ways. The authorities remain vigilant, and stories like these highlight the ongoing difficulties in trying to maintain order in various facilities. With Butler’s court date coming up in December, the community may find itself watching closely as the legal proceedings unfold.

As of now, the facts may still be changing, and as always, local news strives to keep the public informed with accurate updates. We all look forward to learning more about how this curious case continues to develop and what legal consequences await Butler.