A former Georgia Department of Corrections officer who previously served five years in federal prison for smuggling methamphetamine into a state prison is facing new federal drug trafficking and firearms charges.
Mark Edward Jeffery, 41, of Calhoun, appeared in federal court following his arrest on the new charges, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Federal prosecutors say Jeffery previously worked as a corrections officer at Hays State Prison in Trion. In February 2018, authorities caught Jeffery smuggling cellphones, chargers and methamphetamine into the prison.
Jeffery pleaded guilty in April 2019 to a federal methamphetamine trafficking charge and was later sentenced to five years in federal prison.
The latest case stems from an encounter with a Gordon County Sheriff’s Office deputy on February 11, 2025.
According to information presented in federal court, the deputy encountered Jeffery sleeping inside a vehicle. During a subsequent search, authorities allege the deputy found a clear bag containing multiple-colored pills in Jeffery’s pocket.
Investigators also allegedly discovered multiple bags of methamphetamine, a baggie containing heroin, two loaded handguns, a digital scale commonly used for weighing narcotics and multiple empty bags allegedly used for packaging narcotics inside the vehicle.
A federal grand jury returned an indictment against Jeffery on September 8, 2026.
Jeffery is charged with possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
The charges contained in an indictment are allegations. Jeffery is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.