The indictment alleges that the drones were used to deliver drugs to an Ohio state prison

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Three men face more than 100 charges for allegedly using drones to deliver illegal drugs and other contraband into several Ohio prisons.

Joint investigation with the participation of Ohio State Highway Patrol and Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction began in May 2021 after a drone carrying contraband was placed inside the fence of a Toledo correctional facility.

Troopers and ODRC investigators have identified three suspects in the case: Robert A. Faulkner, 33, of Columbus, Corey A. Sutphin, 28, of Grove City, and Charles Gibbs, 33, of Sandusky.

The indictment alleges that the three men used drones to deliver drugs, phones and other contraband into Toledo, Mansfield, Richland and Ross Correctional Institutions and the North Central Correctional Complex.

During the months-long investigation, OSHP said a search warrant was executed at Faulkner’s residence in Columbus on November 16, 2021, where illegal drugs, weapons, cell phones and contraband worth a total of $319,820 were found and seized.

Troopers and investigators believed the items were intended for use in future illegal deliveries to correctional facilities across the state.

The three men were indicted last month on 116 combined felony counts, including engaging in corrupt practices, trafficking and possession of cocaine and a fentanyl-related compound, possession of criminal tools, and aggravated drug possession and gun possession on disability.

Faulkner faces 60 counts and could serve a maximum of 142 years in prison if convicted. Sutfin was charged with 26 felonies and could face up to 69 years in prison if convicted.

Gibbs, who is charged with 30 felonies, faces a maximum of 83 years and six months in prison.

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