Detainees and attorney charged in synthetic drug smuggling scheme at Cobb County Jail, deputies say

Two detainees, a defense attorney, and another individual have been arrested as part of an investigation into a contraband smuggling operation at the Cobb County Jail, deputies say.

Authorities say the scheme involved the delivery of paper laced with K2, a synthetic cannabinoid, into the jail during what were supposed to be confidential meetings between the attorney and the men in custody.

According to the Marietta/Cobb/Smyrna Narcotics Unit, investigators learned that the deliveries had happened multiple times over an extended period.

"Keeping synthetic drugs like K2 out of a detention facility is one of the hardest jobs in corrections today. These substances can be soaked into ordinary paper, which makes them nearly impossible to detect — and it's why jails and prisons across the country are fighting this same battle," said Sheriff Craig Owens. 

Charged in the investigation are 47-year-old attorney Joseph Anfield-El, 36-year-old detainee James Baltimore, 25-year-old detainee Shawn Harris, and 29-year-old Monae Muhammad.

The four were indicted on charges that included violating Georgia's Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act, possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute, use of a communication facility to facilitate drug trafficking, and offenses that involve bringing contraband into a detention facility.

Officials have not shared any other details about the investigation or if they believe others may be charged in connection with the alleged scheme.