Though state officials said cell phones caused the fight Monday night that locked down portions of Telfair State Prison, the did not indicate exactly how cell phones caused the disturbance. (Photo Courtesy of Ken Mayer via Flickr.)
Georgia Department of Corrections officials said the disturbance brings to light the serious dangers of cell phones in Georgia's prison system.
Authorities said it's illegal for Georgia prison inmates to have cell phones, but they are smuggled into the facilities.
A statement from Corrections Commissioner Brian Owens said that inmates use cell phones to commit more crime and carry out gang activity, and the devices jeopardize the safety of everyone inside the prison.
State officials did not indicate exactly how cell phones caused the disturbance.
