Two Texas women, Melanie Jean Worthington (38) and Kassy Marie Cole (41), were arrested after authorities say they used a drone and plastic crow decoys filled with drugs, cell phones and tobacco to try to smuggle contraband into a Louisiana federal prison. According to a Grant Parish Sheriff’s Office statement, the suspects allegedly admitted they were paid $40,000 to carry out the scheme. Both face multiple distribution charges and contraband counts; Cole also had an outstanding warrant. Investigators say the probe is ongoing and have not disclosed who hired them or how they were detected.
Drone and Fake Crow Decoys Used in Alleged $40,000 Prison Smuggling Plot — Two Texas Women Arrested
The two women pictured either side of a photo of one of the plastic crow decoys they allegedly usedCredit: Grant Parish Sheriff's Office
Two Texas residents were arrested after authorities say they attempted an unusual scheme to deliver contraband into a Louisiana federal prison using a drone and plastic crow decoys filled with illicit items.
One of the plastic crow decoys allegedly used by the womenCredit: Grant Parish Sheriff's Office
In a March 9 news release, the Grant Parish Sheriff’s Office identified the suspects as Melanie Jean Worthington, 38, of Joshua, Texas, and Kassy Marie Cole, 41, of Hurst, Texas. According to investigators, the women loaded the plastic crow decoys with drugs, cell phones and tobacco, attached them to a drone and flew the decoys over prison grounds, then dropped them on the facility's property.
One of the women who was arrestedCredit: Grant Parish Sheriff's Office
When officers approached the pair, the sheriff’s office statement says they allegedly admitted being paid $40,000 to carry out the operation.
The second woman who was arrestedCredit: Grant Parish Sheriff's Office
Charges
Worthington was arrested on charges that include possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, and taking contraband into a penal institution. Cole was arrested on charges that include possession of synthetic marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, taking contraband into a penal institution, and for an outstanding warrant.
Authorities did not immediately disclose how investigators were alerted to the attempted drop or who allegedly hired the women. The sheriff's office noted that Grant and Hurst are each located more than five hours away from the prison complex involved in the incident. The Grant Parish Sheriff’s Office confirmed the arrests and said the investigation remains ongoing.
Note: The suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
PEOPLE and other outlets reported the arrests based on the sheriff’s public notice. Law enforcement had not released additional details at the time of the statement.
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