Prison catches men smuggling in goods

An empty wing of the Central State prison farm in Sugar Land in January. The prison was slated to close in 2011 as the state tries to save on criminal justice expenses. But parts of it still operate.

Lawmakers must continue criminal justice reforms An empty wing of the Central State prison farm in Sugar Land in January. The prison was slated to close in 2011 as the state tries to save on criminal justice expenses. But parts of it still operate. (Rodolfo Gonzalez)

By Jennifer Griffies

A spokeswoman for the Federal Bureau of Prisons tells WSB they have made some temporary modifications after a group of men tried to smuggle cell phones, alcohol, guns, and ammunition into a federal penitentiary in southeast Atlanta.

Kathy Lane says they also banned any outdoor activity until further notice.

Atlanta Police Sgt. Greg Lyon says an officer was patrolling the area near the facility around 12:30 Tuesday morning, when he noticed a white Oldsmobile Alero parked next to the fence around the work camp area trying to smuggle in items.

"A couple of handguns, 24 cell phones, several 30-packs of beer.  I think four 30-packs of beer, even some protein powder," said Lyon.

The guns also had hollow-point bullets.

Of the four men, three of them climbed the fence and went back inside the prison property.

Lane says no inmates would be allowed outside during the hours that the smuggling attempt occurred.

The fourth suspect fled the scene in a car.

So far, no arrests have been made.  The FBI is also investigating.