Miguel Angel Aleman-Piceno, a 22-year-old from Chicago, Illinois, has pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges related to an attempt to introduce contraband into a federal prison using a drone. The incident occurred on February 1, 2024, at the Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) McDowell in West Virginia.
Court documents reveal that Aleman-Piceno and co-defendant Francisco Alejandro Gonzalez were intercepted by law enforcement as they prepared to launch a drone carrying contraband over the prison fence. The items included four cell phones, chargers, phone cards, marijuana, and tobacco.
Aleman-Piceno admitted traveling with Gonzalez and another co-defendant, Arturo Joel Gallegos, from Chicago to McDowell County with the intention of being paid $3,000 for delivering the packages into the prison. Law enforcement later seized additional materials used for camouflaging packages at their motel.
Aleman-Piceno’s sentencing is set for September 8, 2025. He faces up to five years in prison along with potential supervised release and fines.
The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston who praised the investigative efforts of the FBI, BOP, and McDowell County Sheriff’s Office. Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber presided over the hearing while Assistant United States Attorney Brian D. Parsons is handling prosecution.
Charges against Gonzalez and Gallegos are still pending; both remain innocent until proven guilty in court.
In a separate case involving similar charges at FCI McDowell on February 9, 2024, Hector Luis Gomez DeJesus of North Carolina along with Raymond Luis Saez Aviles of Florida and Gamalier Rivera of Pennsylvania have also pleaded guilty. They are scheduled for sentencing later this year.
Further details can be accessed through PACER under Case No. 1:24-cr-126 or via the U.S. Attorney’s Office website for Southern District of West Virginia.
