Phones like those involved in the activity cited in the indictments. (Sam Whitehead/GPB News)

On Thursday, twelve people were indicted in Atlanta for their involvement in drug trafficking and consumer fraud schemes run by inmates from inside two Georgia prisons. According to prosecutors, the prisoners were able to commit the crimes because of their access to cell phones.

U.S. Attorney John Horn told reporters that the crimes wouldn’t have been possible without modern smartphone technology.

“The cell phones were often equipped with touch screens and internet access that allowed the inmates to coordinate drug transactions, to commit identity theft and credit card fraud and even post on social media and shop online,” he said.

The indictments focus on activity at two facilities: Phillips State Prison in Buford, Georgia and Valdosta State Prison in Valdosta, Georgia, but not just on the inmates there. Horn said the schemes also involved prison employees, recent parolees, and people with no ties to the prison system.

He also called the discovery of the crime rings demoralizing, because they go against the Department of Justice’s effort to make prisons places of rehabilitation. “The idea that instead of those processes taking place that there just is a continuing cycle of that kind of conduct and victimization, it destroys the integrity of the whole cycle,” Horn said.

The court appearances for those involved started yesterday, and Horn said the Department of Justice’s investigation is ongoing.

Tags: US Attorney John Horn, cell phones, Phillips State Prison, Valdosta State Prison