Texas Women Charged for Smuggling Drugs, Phones into Louisiana Prison Using Drones, Plastic Crows

Authorities say the women admitted to being paid $40,000 for the scheme.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Two Texas women, Melanie Jean Worthington and Kassy Marie Cole, have been charged with multiple offenses after allegedly using drones and plastic crows to smuggle drugs, cell phones, and tobacco into a federal prison in Grant Parish, Louisiana. The women reportedly admitted to being paid $40,000 to carry out the scheme.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing challenge of preventing contraband from being smuggled into prisons, which can pose serious security risks and enable criminal activity behind bars. The use of drones and other creative methods by those seeking to circumvent prison security is a growing concern for correctional authorities.

The details

According to the Grant Parish Sheriff's Office, Worthington and Cole attempted to fly the plastic crows filled with contraband into the federal prison using drones. Worthington has been charged with possession of methamphetamine and marijuana with intent to distribute, as well as taking contraband into a penal institution. Cole faces charges of possession of synthetic marijuana and methamphetamine with intent to distribute, taking contraband into a penal institution, and an outstanding warrant.

  • The incident occurred in March 2026.

The players

Melanie Jean Worthington

A 38-year-old woman from Joshua, Texas, who has been charged with possession of methamphetamine and marijuana with intent to distribute, as well as taking contraband into a penal institution.

Kassy Marie Cole

A 41-year-old woman from Hurst, Texas, who has been charged with possession of synthetic marijuana and methamphetamine with intent to distribute, taking contraband into a penal institution, and an outstanding warrant.

Grant Parish Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency that investigated the incident and made the arrests.

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What’s next

The women are currently in custody and awaiting trial for the charges related to the alleged smuggling operation.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing efforts by some to circumvent prison security measures, and the importance of vigilance and innovative approaches by correctional authorities to prevent the introduction of contraband into prisons, which can enable further criminal activity and compromise the safety of inmates and staff.