A former Georgia Department of Corrections cadet will serve a decade in federal prison after being caught with almost a pound of pure methamphetamine tucked in his pants and car during a routine staff search.
On August 19, US District Judge C. Ashley Royal sentenced 29-year-old Julius Deshawn Williams Jr. of Bonaire, Georgia, to 120 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release. On December 1, 2025, Williams pled guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Federal sentences do not include parole.
According to court documents, Williams was preparing to become a correctional officer at Dooly State Prison. On June 24, 2024, cops conducted a mandatory security check and shake-down on Williams as he arrived for his duty. They found four packages of methamphetamine wrapped in black tape hidden underneath his jeans.
Investigators then searched his vehicle outside the facility, discovering four more tape-wrapped bundles of the medication and a weapon. In total, the eight parcels contained 640 grams of pure methamphetamine.
Williams revealed to investigators that he intended to give the narcotics straight to an inmate.
“The penalties are steep when trusted members of the prison system smuggle contraband behind bars, as this exponentially increases the danger for everyone both inside and outside the prison walls,” U.S. Attorney William R. “Will” Keyes, Jr. “We are grateful to the devoted correctional officers who ensure the safety and security of our jails every day, frequently under difficult conditions. Their dedication and professionalism are critical to preserving order and ensuring justice.
GDC Commissioner Tyrone Oliver highlighted that the agency has zero tolerance for corruption.
“The GDC does not tolerate actions of individuals who choose to bring discredit to the values of our agency and jeopardize our non-negotiable mission of public safety,” Oliver stated. “We appreciate the support of our federal partners in ensuring that justice will be served on this former cadet, and we are proud of those officers involved who were diligent in stopping the introduction of dangerous contraband into one of our facilities.”
Jae W. Chung, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division, highlighted the broader concerns associated with contraband.
“This instance clearly demonstrates the importance of accountability. “A person entrusted with becoming a correctional officer chose to participate in the smuggling of methamphetamine into a prison,” Chung stated. “That conduct jeopardizes the safety and security of the entire penal system. Working with our law enforcement partners, we will continue to identify individuals who seek to bring hazardous narcotics into jail and ensure they face the consequences of their actions.”
The investigation was undertaken collaboratively by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Georgia Department of Corrections.
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