DRONE SIGHTING LEADS TO ADOC K-9 ARREST NEAR VENTRESS CORRECTIONAL FACILITY

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – On Sunday, February 15, 2026, the ADOC K-9 team assigned to Ventress Correctional Facility was notified about a drone sighting on state property. Officers located a suspect, William Dale Stuart, in the area and investigation revealed that he was the drone pilot. Investigation also revealed another suspect, Landon Shane Ezell, in the area. ADOC K-9 deployed tracking dogs, and with assistance from the Barbour County Sherriff’s Office, the suspect was located and detained.

Both suspects were transported to the Barbour County Jail and charged with Possession of Marijuana 1st and Promoting Prison Contraband 2nd. The investigation is ongoing and further charges may be pending.