Investigations

On January 8, 2019, Eric Brown was indicted in U.S. District Court, Albany, Georgia, for owning and operating an unregistered unmanned aircraft system (UAS) and for possession with the intent to distribute a controlled substance. Brown was previously charged via a criminal complaint on January 4, 2019.

 

The indictment alleges that in March 2018 law enforcement encountered Brown near a Georgia correctional facility with an unregistered UAS exceeding .55 lbs., a controlled substance, and other contraband in his possession. Brown allegedly intended to use the UAS to deliver the controlled substance and contraband in violation of FAA regulations and Federal law.

 

DOT-OIG is conducting this investigation with the Georgia Department of Corrections– Office of Professional Standards, assisted by FAA’s Office of the Chief Counsel.

 

Note: Indictments, informations, and criminal complaints are only accusations by the Government, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.