A shocking conspiracy to murder Fulton County Jail detention officers has been uncovered, leading to the indictment of several individuals, including a detention officer.
According to the indictment, Wayne Alford, a pretrial detainee at the Fulton County Jail, orchestrated a plot to kill at least two detention officers who had interfered with his illegal drug and contraband operation within the jail.
Alford allegedly conspired with detention officer Latasha Baker and inmate Matthew Freeman, who was serving time at Valdosta State Prison, to hire hitmen to carry out the murders. The conspirators used contraband cell phones to communicate and coordinate the plot.
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Carlos Pearson and Jayden Barnes were allegedly recruited as the hitmen and offered $1,000 each to carry out the murders. The plot was foiled when the targeted detention officers discovered tracking devices attached to their vehicles.
“These defendants demonstrated a callous disregard for human life when allegedly plotting to murder detention officers who threatened their illegal drug and contraband activity at the Fulton County Jail,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan. “Our office is especially proud of the critical federal, state, and local law enforcement partnerships that made this successful investigation and indictment possible. Prosecuting threats of violence against law enforcement officials during the performance of their duties is a top priority for the Department of Justice and those who engage in such offenses will be held accountable.”
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“No law enforcement officer should have to be fearful for their life simply because they are carrying out their sworn duties,” said Sean Burke, Acting Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “We are extremely grateful that this plot was foiled before harm could come to either of the targeted individuals. The FBI and our partners will relentlessly pursue the harshest punishment for the individuals involved in this crime.”
Several of the conspirators are reportedly members of the GoodFellas gang. They face a range of charges, including conspiracy to commit murder for hire, drug trafficking conspiracy, and firearms offenses.
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