Macon State Prison Inmate Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl Trafficking

Inmate coordinated drug shipments from China while incarcerated, feds say.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 7:21pm

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A 44-year-old inmate at Macon State Prison in Georgia has pleaded guilty to federal charges for his role in a drug trafficking operation that involved importing synthetic cannabis and fentanyl from China. Prosecutors say the inmate, Devito Duran Young, used contraband cellphones to coordinate the shipments and distribution while behind bars.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing challenges prisons face in preventing the flow of illegal drugs and contraband into correctional facilities, which can fuel addiction, violence, and further criminal activity among the incarcerated population.

The details

According to prosecutors, Young worked with another inmate, Trace Works, to acquire the drugs from suppliers in China and distribute them to customers in Central Georgia. Another Macon State Prison inmate, Andreaus Benard Oliver Sr., was also charged but his case remains pending. Authorities were able to seize $170,000 in cryptocurrency that was used to pay for the drug shipments.

  • On Wednesday, Devito Duran Young pleaded guilty to federal charges.
  • The drug trafficking operation was uncovered through an investigation that began in 2021.

The players

Devito Duran Young

A 44-year-old inmate at Macon State Prison who pleaded guilty to coordinating a drug trafficking operation from behind bars.

Trace Works

An accomplice of Young's who also pleaded guilty for his role in the drug trafficking scheme.

Andreaus Benard Oliver Sr.

Another Macon State Prison inmate who was charged in the case, but his case remains pending.

Gao Yong

A supplier from China who was indicted on conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and other drug charges, but has yet to be arrested.

Xin Wang

Another supplier from China who was indicted and directed the drug shipments and payments, which were made through cryptocurrency.

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What they’re saying

“This case highlights the ongoing challenges prisons face in preventing the flow of illegal drugs and contraband into correctional facilities, which can fuel addiction, violence, and further criminal activity among the incarcerated population.”

— Melissa Hodges, Spokesperson, U.S. Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Georgia

What’s next

Prosecutors are continuing to work on the cases against the other individuals charged in the drug trafficking scheme, including Andreaus Benard Oliver Sr. and the two Chinese suppliers, Gao Yong and Xin Wang.

The takeaway

This case underscores the need for prisons to strengthen security measures and implement more effective strategies to prevent the smuggling of contraband, including illegal drugs, into correctional facilities in order to protect the safety and well-being of inmates and staff.