Infrared cameras mounted to a state patrol helicopter recorded two men chucking a package over the fence at an Ohio youth prison

• Two men were caught on infrared camera throwing a package over the fence at Circleville Juvenile Correctional Facility.
• The package contained THC vape pens, cell phones, and an external battery.
• Several individuals, including a former DYS deputy superintendent, face charges related to the incident.
• The former DYS employee allegedly purchased the contraband and had inappropriate relationships with incarcerated teens.

Infrared cameras mounted to an Ohio Highway Patrol helicopter recorded two men throwing a package over the fence at a state juvenile prison and then running through a field to evade capture.

The footage shows how troopers in the air spotted and tracked the suspects, relaying information to their colleagues on the ground. The bodies of the men glow white-hot in the footage, which allowed troopers to follow them even as one tried to hide in the woods.

Youth prison officials monitoring phone calls picked up on a plan to throw drugs over the fence at Circleville Juvenile Correctional Facility the night of Nov. 8, 2024. The Ohio State Highway Patrol’s aviation unit, on the ground troopers and DYS officials caught Korrell Bush allegedly throwing a package containing 15 THC vape pens, three cell phones, phone cables and an external cell phone battery over the fence.

Bush, now 21, has pleaded not guilty to illegal conveyance and receiving stolen property charges. His trial before Pickaway County Judge Matthew Chafin is scheduled for Sept. 18.

James Wilson and Juano Peyton, both now 19, pleaded guilty to complicity to illegal conveyance and Brandon Mitchell, 20, has a plea hearing scheduled for June 11.

A former Ohio Department of Youth Services deputy superintendent is scheduled to go on trial June 16 in the case. Renee Depalo, 39, of Massillon, has pleaded not guilty to complicity to convey contraband into a state prison, which is a third-degree felony.

The Ohio Department of Youth Services investigated allegations that Depalo had inappropriate relationships with incarcerated teens, including Wilson. Depalo, who worked at Indian River Juvenile Correctional Facility where Wilson had been previously incarcerated, resigned her state job May 18, 2024.

According to investigations conducted by DYS and the patrol, Depalo purchased the vape pens and cell phones at Wilson’s direction and provided them to Bush. Investigators also reported that Depalo and Bush exchanged text messages, though Depalo told troopers that she didn’t know the items were going to be thrown over the fence into the youth prison.

Ohio operates three youth prisons for children adjudicated for offenses that would be felonies if they were adults.

State government reporter Laura Bischoff can be reached at lbischoff@gannett.com and @lbischoff on X.