Hays State Prison in Pennville has increased patrols around the perimeter of the prison in an attempt to crack down on contraband that is attempting to make its way into the prison.  A spokesperson with Hays Prison told AM 1180 on Tuesday morning that the increased patrols are in response to attempts to sneak contraband into the prison by outsiders.  The spokesperson wanted to assure the community the increased patrols by Hays Prison gaurds is due to the contraband issue and not because of an escape or attempted escape. 

In December of last year a Macon man was arrested for attempting to sneak contraband into Hays Prison by stuffing an old basketball full of tobacco, cell phones and candy.  Apparently the man, identified as 28 year old Johnny Brown, was going to throw the basketball full of contraband over the perimeter of the prison.  Brown ran when the correctional officers attempted to stop him.  He was later apprehended by Chattooga County Sheriff’s Deputies, Georgia State Troopers and Hays Correctional Officers.

UPDATE : 1:24 PM

There was NOT an escape at Hays Prison. There have been increased patrols today due to someone attempting to sneak contraband into the prison. Rumors had it that local schools were on lock-down. AM 1180 talked with both local school systems. Trion nor Chattooga Schools have been on lock-down today. Once again, the increased patrols in the area are due to someone outside the prison attempting to get contraband into the prison not because of an escape or escape attempt.