11 Indicted For Smuggling Drugs Into MD Prison: Attorney General

ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY, MD — Eleven people were indicted this week in a conspiracy that allowed drugs and other contraband smuggled into Jessup Correctional Institution in Anne Arundel County, according to Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown.

The indictment stems from an investigation launched in April 2021 after heroin, suboxone, an Apple Watch, and data storage cards were found in the cell of inmates Gary Ward and Donte Tyner, according to a news release from Brown's office.

Further investigation revealed a "complex contraband conspiracy" to smuggle drugs and other contraband into the prison.

Makeia Brockington Nelson, 48, a nurse contractor who worked in the prison medical unit, was identified as the person smuggling drugs and other contraband into the facility after authorities intercepted a package containing suboxone, marijuana, tobacco, and SIM cards, according to the release. Prosecutors said Nelson, who also goes by Makeia Brown and Makeia Brockington, lives in Hunt Valley.

Further investigation revealed that 48-year-old Nelson received the package from Jasmine Ward, the daughter of inmate Gary Ward, authorities said.

In a search of Nelson's house, authorities discovered additional suboxone and tobacco she intended to smuggle into the prison, according to the release. After barring Nelson from all state correctional facilities, authorities examined her financial records and determined she received more than $92,000 in payments between January 2021 and March 2022 to smuggle drugs and other items to inmates.

According to the indictment, Nelson is facing 26 charges, including contraband conspiracy, conspiracy to distribute controlled dangerous substances, and possession of controlled dangerous substances with the intent to distribute.

According to Brown's office, others included in the indictment are:

Tamar Brown, 24, of Hunt Valley. Brown, who is Nelson's daughter, faces 19 charges, including contraband conspiracy and conspiracy to distribute controlled dangerous substances.

Gary Ward, Jr., 52. Ward, an inmate of Jessup Correctional Institution, faces nine charges, including contraband conspiracy and conspiracy to distribute controlled dangerous substances.

Donte Tyner, 36. Tyner, an inmate of Jessup Correctional Institution, faces nine charges, including contraband conspiracy and conspiracy to distribute controlled dangerous substances.

Kyvelle Martin, 39. Martin, a former inmate of Jessup Correctional Institution, faces nine charges, including possession of a telecommunication device in a place of confinement and possession of a controlled dangerous substance in a place of confinement.

Rodney Brown, 54. Brown, an inmate of Jessup Correctional Institution, faces six charges, including contraband conspiracy and solicitation of the distribution of controlled dangerous substances.

Tavon Owens, 29. Owens, a former inmate of Jessup Correctional Institution, faces six charges, including possession with intent to distribute suboxone and possession of a telecommunications device in a place of confinement.

Jasmine Ward, 30, of Baltimore. The daughter of Gary Ward faces four charges, including contraband conspiracy and conspiracy to distribute controlled dangerous substances.

Vaughn Clanton, 48, of Middle River. Clanton, the former cellmate of Gary Ward, faces four charges, including contraband conspiracy and conspiracy to distribute controlled dangerous substances.

Marlon Clanton, 39, of Parkville. The brother of Vaughn Clanton faces four charges, including contraband conspiracy and conspiracy to distribute controlled dangerous substances.

Leo Gonzalez, 28. Gonzalez, a former inmate of Jessup Correctional Institution, faces three charges, including possession of contraband.

"The illegal flow of drugs and other contraband into prisons leads to violence and drug overdoses within our prisons and creates barriers to our treatment, education, and rehabilitation efforts," Attorney General Brown said in a statement. "Let me be clear, to those who think they can operate in the shadows, we have zero tolerance for this sort of criminal behavior."

The Maryland Office of the Attorney General's Organized Crime Unit, the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services and the Anne Arundel County Police Department investigated the incidents.