11 people charged in crime ring involving drones delivering contraband to a federal prison

WELCH, W.Va. (WVVA/Gray News) - Eleven people were arrested in connection with drones illegally flying over the Federal Correctional Institution-McDowell and attempting to deliver drugs into the federal prison.

Sheriff James W. Muncy said the prison notified his office in November 2023 of increased drone activity near the prison and an investigation began.

Jose Enrigue, Dominguez Santos, Arturo Gallegos, Miguel Piceno, Francisco Gonzalez, Bailey Sexton, Hector Luis, Raymond Saez, Rivera Gamalier, Frank Salgado and an unidentified juvenile have all been arrested in connection with delivering the contraband since the start of the investigation.

A twelfth suspect, Jose Sanchez Rodriguez, 29, fled from authorities on Feb. 9, but was found dead on Thursday.

All of the arrests were the result of a surveillance operation.

The 11 people who were arrested are charged with several crimes, including attempts to introduce contraband into a correctional facility, attempt to unlawfully operate an unmanned aerial vehicle (drone), felony conspiracy and possession with intent to deliver a Schedule 1 controlled substance.

Two of the suspects, Luis and Saez, are also charged with obstructing and officer, fleeing from an officer on foot, introduction of contraband into a correctional facility, assault on an officer and terroristic acts. They remain in custody under a $150,000 cash-only bond.

Gamalier is also charged as a fugitive from justice out of Pennsylvania. Pending charges include unauthorized use of an unmanned aerial vehicle, introduction of contraband into a correctional facility, terroristic acts and felony conspiracy. He is being held under a fugitive bond.

Enrigue and Santos are incarcerated with a $20,000 cash-only bond.

Gallegos, Piceno, Gonzalez and Salgado are held under a $50,000 cash-only bond, and Sexton is held with a $40,000 cash-only bond.

McDowell County Prosecuting Attorney Brittany Puckett says it’s not clear right now how much contraband if any was able to make it inside the prison. She says the investigation is ongoing which includes help from the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Salgado, Saez, Luis and Sexton all have preliminary hearings set for Feb. 20.