Bonaire man pleads guilty to attempted meth smuggling into Dooly State Prison

MACON — A Houston County man is due for sentencing after attempting to bring drugs into a state prison, according to a release from the U.S. Department of Justice.

Julius Deshawn Williams Jr., 29, of Bonaire, pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine in federal court on Dec. 1. He faces a maximum penalty of life in prison, and will be sentenced at a later date.

According to court statements, Williams was a cadet in training to become a correctional officer at Dooly State Prison. On June 24, 2024, during a required security check, Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) officers found four packages of methamphetamine wrapped in black tape and hidden in Williams’ pants. 

A search of his vehicle found four more packages of meth wrapped in tape and a pistol. Williams admitted to trying to bring the drugs into the prison to give to an inmate.

In total, the packages contained 640 grams of 100% pure methamphetamine.

Representatives from several agencies commented on the case.

“Highly addictive, illegal drugs inside a prison only increase the potential for chaos and violence for everyone on the inside, and can never be tolerated,” U.S. Attorney William R. “Will” Keyes said. “Correctional officers have a vital role in ensuring community safety. We appreciate the collaboration across all levels of law enforcement to protect people.” 

“Contraband in the hands of inmates gives them the ability to continue their criminal enterprise, so the efforts of our dedicated officers in stopping those who attempt to introduce these items is paramount in our commitment to public safety,” GDC Commissioner Tyrone Oliver said. “We are pleased to see that justice has been served on this individual for his role in jeopardizing the safe and secure operations of our facilities.” 

“Keeping narcotics out of our correctional facilities requires strong, united efforts across agencies,” Robert J. Murphy, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Division, said. “This guilty plea is the result of that collaboration. DEA will continue to stand with our federal, state and local partners to ensure that anyone attempting to introduce dangerous drugs into a prison faces the full force of the law.”

Williams appeared before U.S. District Judge C. Ashley Royal and the case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Travis Lynes. 

The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Georgia Department of Corrections.