Jury Convicts Man On 31 Counts In Prison Drone Plot Trial

CUMBERLAND, Md. (AP) -- A jury has convicted a man of 31 offenses for plotting to fly contraband aboard a drone into a maximum-security Maryland state prison.

The jury in Cumberland deliberated about two hours and 15 minutes before convicting 25-year-old Thaddeus Shortz of Knoxville on all but four of the charged offenses. Sentencing hasn't been scheduled.

Shortz faces up 51 years in prison for the 17 contraband convictions. Some other convictions, including drug possession and firearm offenses, could be merged for sentencing purposes.

Police acting on a tip arrested Shortz and another man in August outside the Western Correctional Institution. In his nearby pickup truck, police found a drone and packages containing illegal drugs, tobacco, pornographic videos and a cellphone.

Shortz' lawyer says he sees grounds for appeal because police did not obtain a search warrant.

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