MACON COUNTY, Ala. — On Friday, January 30, 2026, agents with the Alabama Department of Corrections (ADOC), the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), and partner agencies executed two law enforcement operations in Macon County, resulting in six arrests related to prison contraband and narcotics distribution.
The prison contraband investigation began on November 12, 2025, after an attempted introduction of contraband was discovered at St. Clair Correctional Facility. The investigation identified James McKenzie, III, and Jamond Lawrence, both of Tuskegee, as suspects. Items recovered during the investigation included cell phones, knives, marijuana, synthetic cannabinoids, and methamphetamine.
On January 30, arrest and search warrants were executed at a residence on County Road 37 in Tuskegee. Both McKenzie and Lawrence were taken into custody. The search resulted in the seizure of illegal narcotics, two firearms (one equipped with a machine gun conversion device), and items used to promote prison contraband.
During a separate narcotics investigation led by the Alabama Drug Enforcement Task Force and ALEA SWAT, agents executed a search warrant at a residence on County Road 60 in Notasulga, Ala. As a result of that operation, Michael Terrell Thomas of Tuskegee was arrested and charged with First-Degree Possession of Marijuana, Possession of a Controlled Substance, and Attempting to Elude Law Enforcement on Foot. Keandre Moss of Tuskegee was arrested for Possession of a Controlled Substance. Javious Piner of Tuskegee was arrested for Possession of a Controlled Substance and First-Degree Possession of Marijuana, having a prior conviction. Kristan Ledbetter of Tallassee was arrested for Second-Degree Possession of Marijuana.
All individuals were booked into the Macon County Jail. Bonds were set in St. Clair County related to the prison contraband investigation.
The ADOC thanks ALEA, the U.S. Marshal’s Service Gulf Coast Regional Fugitive Task Force, Alabama Drug Enforcement Task Force, Macon County Sheriff’s Office, Auburn Police Department, Tallapoosa County Narcotics Task Force, St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office, and Springville Police Department for their assistance.
The investigations remain ongoing. No further information is available at this time.
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