Sumter man arrested after allegedly flying mop handle filled with drugs on prison yard

South Carolina Department of Corrections Inspector General released arrest warrants for a Sumter man who reportedly attempted to fly drugs onto a prison yard in June.

On June 17, 2024, Robert Brunson, 34, reportedly used a drone to fly marijuana and tobacco, concealed in a mop handle,  over the perimeter fence of MacDougall Correctional Institution in Ridgeville, according to an arrest warrant. Brunson allegedly communicated with an SCDC inmate on the prison’s recorded phone line with the intent of the contraband being obtained by the inmate. Cellphone pings from Brunson also placed him in the area of the prison on that day, according to SCDC.

Brunson was charged with possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute, providing contraband to an inmate and criminal conspiracy, according to SCDC.