11 arrested, one suspect found dead after investigation into drone activity at FCI McDowell

Brandon Eanes
·4 min read

WELCH, WV (WVNS) — 11 people were arrested and one suspect was found dead after an investigation was done into suspicious drone activity happening at the Federal Correctional Institute-McDowell (FCI McDowell).

According to a press release from Sheriff Muncy of the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office, officials from FCI McDowell contacted the Sheriff’s Office requesting help into investigating suspicious drone activity happening around the facility.

Once an investigation into the drone activity was started, Sheriff Muncy received multiple reports of drone activity around the federal prison in December 2023.

On February 9, 2024, deputies went to arrest a suspect connected to the investigation, 29-year-old Jose Sanchez Rodriguez. According to the press release, Rodriguez ran from deputies and was not immediately found. He was then placed into the National Crime Information Center database. On February 15, 2024, members of the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office found Jose Rodriguez dead. His body was sent to the WV Medical Examiner’s Office for an autopsy.

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In collaboration with the West Virginia State Police Welch Detachment and the McDowell County Prosecutor’s office, the following people were arrested in connection to the investigation:

Jose Enrigue was arrested and charged with Attempt to Introduce Contraband into a Correctional Facility, Attempt to Unlawfully Operate an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (Drone), & Felony Conspiracy. He has a $20,000 cash only bond.

Arturo Gallegos was arrested and charged with Attempt to Introduce Contraband into a Correctional Facility, Attempt to Unlawfully Operate an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (Drone), Possession with Intent to Deliver a Schedule I Controlled Substance & Felony Conspiracy. He was given a $50,000 cash only bond.

Dominguez Santos was arrested and charged with Attempt to Introduce Contraband into a Correctional Facility, Attempt to Unlawfully Operate an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (Drone), & Felony Conspiracy. He faces a $20,000 cash only bond.

Bailey Rene Sexton was arrested and charged with Attempt To Introduce Contraband into a Correctional Facility, Possession witt Intent to Deliver a Schedule I Controlled Substance, Possession with Intent to Deliver a Schedule II Controlled Substance, Attempt to Unlawfully Operate an Unmanned Areial Vehicle (Drone), Felony Conspiracy, & Contributing to The Delinquency of a Child. She has a $40,000 cash only bond.

Hector Luis was arrested and charged with Obstructing An Officer, Fleeing from Officer On Foot, Assault on Officer, Battery on Officer, Unauthorized Use of An Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, Introduction of Contraband into A Correctional Facility, Terroristic Acts, & Felony Conspiracy. He was given a $150,000 cash only bond.

Raymond Saez was arrested and charged with Obstructing An Officer, Fleeing from Officer On Foot, Assault on Officer, Battery on Officer, Unauthorized Use of An Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, Introduction of Contraband into A Correctional Facility, Terroristic Acts, & Felony Conspiracy. He has a $150,000 cash only bond.

Rivera Gamalier was arrested and charged with being a Fugitive from Justice out of the state of Pennsylvania. He also has pending charges of nauthorized Use of An Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, Introduction of Contraband into A Correctional Facility, Terroristic Acts, & Felony Conspiracy. His bond was listed as “Fugitive Hold”.

The following people were also arrested but did not have a mugshot available:

  • Frank Salgado was arrested and charged with No Operators, No Insurance, Introduction of Contraband into a Correctional Facility, Unauthorized Use of an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, & Felony Conspiracy. He has a $50,000 cash only bond.

  • Francisco Gonzalez was arrested and charged with Attempt to Introduce Contraband into a Correctional Facility, Attempt to Unlawfully Operate an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (Drone), Possession w. Intent to Deliver a Schedule I Controlled Substance & Felony Conspiracy. He faces a $50,000 cash only bond.

  • Miguel Piceno was arrested and charged with Attempt to Introduce Contraband into a Correctional Facility, Attempt to Unlawfully Operate an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (Drone), Possession with Intent to Deliver a Schedule I Controlled Substance & Felony Conspiracy. He was given a $50,000 cash only bond.

  • J.H., a juvenile, was arrested and charged with Charges: Attempt To Introduce Contraband into A Correctional Facility, Possession with Intent to Deliver a Schedule I Controlled Substance, Possession with Intent to Deliver a Schedule II Controlled Substance, Attempt to Unlawfully Operate an Unmanned Areial Vehicle (Drone), & Felony Conspiracy. A detention hearing was held by Magistrate Judge Mark Shelton.

The McDowell County Sheriff’s Office has met with the McDowell County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office and United States Attorney’s office regarding the investigation and prosecution of those charged. The meetings were also done to ensure the safety and wellness of McDowell County residents and the staff at FCI McDowell.

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