GLENNVILLE, Ga. (WSAV) — The details in the four arrest affidavits filed against now-former Smith State Prison Warden Brian Adams directly link the prison’s highest officer to a violent crime ring.
State investigators believe that the gang, operating on both sides of the prison’s fences, is linked to at least one murder and conspiracy to commit another.
Brian Dennis Adams, 48, of Waycross, was arrested on Wednesday and charged with conspiracy to violate the RICO Act, bribery, false statements and violation of oath by public officer. He was terminated before his arrest.
RICO, which stands for Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations, is both a state and federal law to stop illegal business.
The accusations of incredible corruption inside the prison involve at least two other prison employees. Both are no longer working at the facility, and both facing charges.
It’s the Yves Sation Laurent Squad that court documents say the former warden was involved in. In a criminal indictment for former Smith State inmate Nathan Weekes, the inmate is called the “President” of the gang.
That indictment says the organization used resources both inside and outside of the prison to smuggle in contraband including drugs, luxury clothing, jewelry, weapons and tobacco.
Weekes, along with three others, is accused of ordering a hit on someone at an address in Glennville.
State agents with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation believe Bobby Kicklighter, the person killed, was not the intended target.
The botched hit in early 2021 triggered an investigation that ultimately put a spotlight on the Yves Saint Laurent Squad and the Smith State Prison.
According to information in the affidavits, filled with the Tattnall County Clerk of Courts on Thursday, Adams is accused of taking money from the gang and lying to state investigators when they asked about it.
Adams bonded out of the county jail Thursday morning after posting an 80,000 bond.
The commissioner of the Georgia Department of Corrections provided the following statement:
While we are disheartened to learn of the actions of former Warden Adams, our commitment to maintaining a zero-tolerance policy for individuals who choose to ignore their oath and jeopardize our non-negotiable mission of public safety applies to every level in the GDC. We appreciate the support of our law enforcement partners in our efforts to see that justice is being served. It is extremely important to note, however, that Adams’ actions do not reflect the hundreds of Officers, Wardens, and other staff who are committed each and every day to ensuring the safety of the public and the safe operations of our facilities.
Commissioner Tyrone Oliver
