Final Defendant Sentenced in Gang-Related South Georgia Meth-Trafficking Conspiracy Drug Enforcement Administration Robert J. Murphy, Jr. Special Agent in Charge Atlanta @DEAAtlantaDiv January 05, 2023 Contact: SA Crystal Harper Phone Number: (571) 362-3433 For Immediate Release Wade Watkins: Count 1- Trafficking Methamphetamine, 400 Grams or More (Conspiracy) Prison Empire: 2019-GS-47-23 (Pickens County) Count 1: Trafficking Methamphetamine, 400 Grams or More (Conspiracy) He had been flying two folks from the Mexican border to Atlanta back and forth many times. BEST IN TOWN! Again, a federal judge threw out those wiretaps and we were able to resolve the case. Want to know how we win appeals in Georgia criminal cases? Many Georgia drug trafficking cases originate on the highways. If that is the case, you can work with our law firm, and we can build a defense to help you get a . If a warrant fails to state the exact address of the place to be searched or the specific items that may be seized by law enforcement, the warrant may be deemed invalid. POMEROY The Meigs County Sheriff's Department made two arrests in regards to the trafficking of illegal narcotics Sunday evening. Or, in other words, either actual or constructive possession will be enough to establish the possession needed to support a drug trafficking charge. Arthur Anderson, 57, of Macon, pleaded guilty to one count use of a communication facility to facilitate a drug trafficking offense. Nine defendants are among those facing federal charges including illegal possession of firearms after separate indictments by a grand jury in the Southern District of Georgia, while recent actions in Middle District of Georgia Punishment for possessing or distributing Schedule I drugs is the most severe. On a number of occasions, co-defendants Summerford, Black and Patrick Dews would travel to metro-Atlanta to purchase heroin from Duffy, generally 142 grams on each trip enough heroin to provide more than 1,000 doses. Bear in mind that if you are charged with drug trafficking, you may face a mandatory minimum sentence. To avoid accidentally committing a crime, it is wise to learn as much as you can about the drug trafficking laws in Georgia. It doesnt protect you from what you may have done with that group in the past. A search warrant must also particularly describe the place to be searched and the person or things to be seized. If you are convicted of trafficking methamphetamine between 28 and 200 grams, the sentence can be ten to thirty years in the state penitentiary and a fine of $200,000. All rights reserved. Heroin, morphine, and opium, however, can be harshly penalized for a mere four grams. Official websites use .gov Operation Breaking the Bond is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. If the quantity is greater than 28 grams but less than 200 grams the person shall be sentenced to a mandatory minimum prison sentence of 10 years and pay a fine of $200,000. Individuals pulled over in their automobiles during a traffic stop do not enjoy the same level of protection and privacy. That can be importing drugs, it can be distributing drugs, it can be possessing drugs with the intent to distribute. Motions to suppress evidence are based on the idea that law enforcement has violated an individuals Fourth Amendment right to be free of unreasonable searches and seizures or some other right protected by a specific Georgia law. Se Habla Espaol, 101 Marietta Street NWSuite 3300Atlanta, GA 30303(404) 223-3310, 2022 by The Church Law Firm LLC. March 25, 2009 - Carrollton man and two truck drivers from San Antonio, TX arrested for trafficking in 740 pounds of marijuana. Macon, Georgia 31202-1702, Macon: 478-752-3511 There is no parole in the federal system. If you are convicted of trafficking an amount of cocaine between 28 and 200 grams, the sentence can be ten to thirty years in the state penitentiary and a fine of $200,000. 16-13-30). If convicted of trafficking in Georgia of 200 grams or more but less than 400 grams, then the punishment range increases. The drug trafficking penalty in Georgia may even include a mandatory minimum penalty of 25 years in prison along with a fine of 1 million dollars. Its just this agreement, and then knowing about the agreement, saying, I wanna be a part of it. The person can drive a car and be part of a drug conspiracy. First, the District Attorney can file a motion asking the sentencing court to reduce or suspend a sentence if the defendant provides substantial assistance in the identification, arrest, or conviction of any other individuals involved in the drug operation. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. 16-13-31(e), Trafficking morphine, opium,or heroin: O.C.G.A. If convicted of a second or subsequent offense, he may be imprisoned for 10 to 40 years. In some cases, the government will have a warrant, in some cases they wont. However, for small amounts of marijuana, or if your trafficking case is reduced to possession, you may be able to get your charges reduced to a misdemeanor. Drug trafficking is a serious criminal offense, and although incidents are usually not as widespread as the recent bust of the alleged Mexico-based cartel, these types of cases are some of the most complexes. They have evidence that an individual is involved in the drug business, but they have charged him with a bunch of people that he didnt know. But if you have other questions, feel free to give us a call.. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. MACON, GA - Twelve defendants have been charged in a newly unsealed federal indictment alleging a middle Georgia drug trafficking conspiracy. One of the things Ive learned is that most people, when theyre charged with something like this, really dont know what a drug conspiracy is. If you live in the state of Georgia, you are probably familiar with many of the controlled substance regulations, but if you are visiting or passing through, you should have a basic understanding of the Georgia drug trafficking laws. After reviewing the discovery, a criminal defense attorney will decide whether to challenge the search by demanding that the court hold a hearing to determine the admissibility of the drugs. This affidavit is then submitted to the judge for his or her consideration. A total of 60 felony counts are alleged in the indictment. A good example of that is a case I handled just last year representing a doctor who worked at a pain clinic. An official website of the United States government. Perhaps they made a call and suggested a drug deal, and he turned them down but they came back again. Domestic Cannabis Suppression / Eradication Program, Red Ribbon Toolkit - Resources For Your Community, DEA National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, Intelligence Research Specialist Job Announcements, Schedule A Hiring Authority: Intelligence Research Specialist, Privacy Impact Assessment and Management Information Systems, Victim Witness Assistance Program Resources. They dont have to show that a person even had drugs. March 10, 2009 - Regional drug-fighting hub opens in Carrollton. Understanding whats going on, they say, Hey, I wanna be a part of this. Now thats it, just those two elements. WAYCROSS, Ga. (WALB) - 76 drug traffickers were named in Operation Ghost Busted, the largest drug trafficking investigation in the Southern District of Georgia, on Jan. 11. If you have those two elements, then you have an entrapment defense, and its a very effective defense in trial. These laws can be confusing, so if you are charged with drug trafficking, consulting an experienced criminal defense attorney would be beneficial to your case. Depending on the amount of marijuana involved, a conviction may result in a prison sentence with the term of imprisonment increasing beyond the mandatory minimum sentence with the quantity being moved. When trying to obtain a search warrant, law enforcement must prepare a supporting affidavit setting forth all relevant facts. SE, Suite #417 Marietta, GA 30060, Title 16 Crimes and Offenses Chapter 13 Controlled Substances, Trafficking cocaine: O.C.G.A. Drug trafficking charges are serious in Georgia and are nearly always prosecuted as a felony offense. The State may also introduce the search warrant into evidence along with any other evidence it deems to be relevant. Official websites use .govA .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. Attorneys Noah J . A lock ( For methamphetamine and/or amphetamine, any person who sells, delivers, or brings into this state or who possesses 28 grams or more is guilty of trafficking. Justin Adams, a/k/a Ace, 40, of Vidalia, and Andre Jackson, a/k/a Dre, 31, of Vidalia, were sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge R. Stan Baker, said Acting U.S. Attorney David H. Estes. For 200 to 400 grams, the sentence is a minimum of 15 years with a fine of $300,000. Adams was sentenced to 165 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, while Jackson was sentenced to 188 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release. It is also illegal to manufacture, deliver, distribute, sell, or possess with intent to distribute any controlled substance (with limited exceptions). As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime. The following co-defendants have previously pleaded guilty for their crimes in federal court and are awaiting sentencing: Terrance Jackson, 43, of Macon, pleaded guilty to one count conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin. Furthermore, for larger quantities of certain types of drugs, a person may also be charged with drug trafficking (O.C.G.A. Number one, the person was not predisposed at being involved in a drug conspiracy. There are defenses, and there are several that we have used effectively in court when were representing someone charged in a drug conspiracy case. . If you have been charged with a serious drug offense in Atlanta, or anywhere else in Georgia, it is imperative that you retain an aggressive Atlanta criminal defense attorney experienced in filing and arguing motions to suppress evidence. The lawfulness of such a search depends heavily on how the search is characterized. As experienced trial attorneys, we are also not afraid to take your case to trial if necessary. There are several factors involved. With so many recent changes in various state regulations, many people wonder, What amount of drugs is considered trafficking?. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert McCullers is prosecuting the case. They can make a few phone calls and be part of a drug conspiracy. And E. Greg Gilluly Jr. If you are facing drug trafficking charges, a felony lawyer is a wise choice to ensure you receive no more than the mandatory minimum sentences in sentencing court or your case is dismissed. The number of illegally possessed firearms seized in this case also provides a glimpse into the dangerous underworld of narcotics trafficking.. The difference between drug trafficking and other drug crimes like drug possession, drug distribution or drug manufacturing is thequantityof drugs involved in the offense. If you are convicted of trafficking 28 grams or more, you face a sentence of 25 to 30 years and a $500,000 fine. The Albany Herald, Ga. Dec. 7MACON A career offender with a violent criminal history who participated in a middle Georgia drug trafficking network responsible for distributing approximately 16 kilograms of methamphetamine has been sentenced to serve 20 years in federal prison resulting from an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces investigation centered in Warner Robins. "Today, the Justice Department has taken several significant enforcement actions to disrupt large-scale illegal gun and drug . Albany: 229-430-7754 The judge must then determine if law enforcement has provided enough information to establish probable cause to believe that a crime has been or is being committed at a specific location. A criminal defense lawyer will have the opportunity to cross-examine the arresting or searching officer, call any witnesses of his own, and tender evidence into the record for the courts consideration. Drug trafficking charges in Georgia are a felony. We will continue to work diligently along with our local and federal partners to investigate and dismantle drug trafficking organizations., These sentences reinforce our strong commitment to dismantle gangs that plague our communities with drugs, guns and violence, and threaten the safety of the citizens who live in them, said Chris Hacker, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. 2.79 tons of liquid heroin from a lorry that entered Georgia from Azerbaijan. If you are charged with trafficking marijuana in Georgia, and the amount seized was somewhere between 10 pounds and 2,000 pounds, it is a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and a $100,000 fine. Toussaint is among seven defendants awaiting sentencing, while three defendants are awaiting trial. Those trips that were confirmed using interceptions and/or surveillance. Marshals Service, and prosecuted for the United States by Southern District of Georgia Assistant U.S. Due to the superb work of Page and Jess, the charges were dropped. Georgia drug trafficking laws punish those who break the law and keep society safe. At the conclusion of the hearing, the State and the defense will argue why the drugs should be suppressed under the Fourth Amendment or a specific Georgia statute. A person who purchases or possesses a non-narcotic Schedule II drug can be punished by imprisonment for 1-3 years (if less than 2 grams), 1-8 years (if more than 2 grams but less than 4 grams), or for 1-15 years (if more than 4 grams but less than 28 grams). You can also be charged with trafficking if you bring a large enough amount of a controlled substance from another country or state. If the search was done incident to the arrest, the officer must have had a reason to believe that there was evidence in the vehicle relating to the crime for which the driver was arrested. Bresach was sentenced to serve 84 months in prison to run consecutively to any term of imprisonment imposed in Peach County, Jones County, Putnam County and Houston County Superior Courts to be followed by three years of supervised release on March 3, 2021; Reginald Summerford, 49, of Macon, pleaded guilty to one count conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin. This guide covers the basics of these laws and the penalties if someone violates them. However, for small amounts of marijuana, or if your trafficking case is reduced to possession, you may be able to get your charges reduced to a misdemeanor. Major South Georgia drug trafficker sentenced to nearly two decades in federal prison Drug Enforcement Administration Robert J. Murphy, Jr. Special Agent in Charge Atlanta @DEAAtlantaDiv October 13, 2020 Contact: Chuvalo Truesdell Phone Number: (571) 362-3517 For Immediate Release Now he ran a medical practice and he prescribed pain medication, opioid pain medication, to a number of different patients for chronic pain. Also follow DEA Atlanta via Twitter at @DEAATLANTADiv. Under Georgia law, it is illegal to possess, manufacture, deliver, distribute or possess with intent to distribute any controlled substance (O.C.G.A. Secure .gov websites use HTTPSA lock ( According to Georgia drug trafficking laws, for the lesser offenses of trafficking Schedule III, Schedule IV, and Schedule V controlled substances, you may receive 1 to 10 years in prison. On the way back from purchasing heroin from Duffy on February 20, 2019, Summerfords van was stopped and the heroin was seized. There are others, it all depends on the specific facts of the case. Another defense is that there is no knowledge of the agreement. In Cobb County, bonds for trafficking range from $65,000 up to $125,000. The wiretap investigation ultimately led to the discovery of Duffy being the source of heroin supply. Post Office Box 1702 If you are convicted of trafficking marijuana, you may receive a sentence of five years and a fine of $100,000 for 10 to 2,000 pounds. Now notice whats missing here. One of the most powerful tools a criminal defense lawyer has in a drug trafficking or possession case is the motion to suppress evidence. If the search is characterized as an inventory search, the state must establish (among other things) that the search was conducted in accordance with that police departments policies regarding impounding vehicles and that the search was not simply a fishing expedition to find possible contraband. In most states, the case has to involve more than several pounds of marijuana or an ounce or more of harder drugs (like cocaine, methamphetamine, ecstasy, LSD, etc.) For 2,000 to 10,000 pounds, you can be sentenced to seven to thirty years in prison and a fine of $250,000. Even when a driver consents to his vehicle being searched, it may be possible to challenge the lawfulness of the search. An official website of the United States government. Theyll be recording the conversations that people in this alleged conspiracy have, then they will use those tapes against them in court, but they have to do it the right way. A criminal defense lawyer may attack: 1) the information used to procure the warrant; 2) the specificity of the warrant; and 3) the search itself. Antoine Riley, 44, of Warner Robins, is charged with one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, one count of possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon, one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, one count of distribution of cocaine base, one count of possession of cocaine with intent to distribute and one count of possession of cocaine base with intent to distribute; Antonio Raines, 37, of Warner Robins, is charged with one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, one count of distribution of cocaine base and one count of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute; Latanya Williams, 39, of Warner Robins, is charged with one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, one count of possession of cocaine with intent to distribute and one count of possession of cocaine base with intent to distribute; Brittany Smith, 28, of Warner Robins, is charged with one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and one count of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute; Emanuel Ivey, 35, of Warner Robins, is charged with one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and one count of possession of cocaine with intent to distribute; Armard Davis, 42, of Warner Robins, is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and one count of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute; Joseph Day, 48, of Warner Robins, is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and one count of distribution of cocaine base; Desmond Griffin, 29, of Warner Robins, is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and one count of distribution of cocaine base; and. Somebodys house was searched, somebodys car was searched, a storage shed, a business. This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justices violent crime reduction efforts. Drug trafficking is a serious criminal charge based on certain quantities of illegal drugs. Georgia drug trafficking laws carry significant penalties and there are many potentially aggravating factors. How to Apply for the New Pretrial Diversion Program in Federal Court, Our Firm Helps Client Avoid Prison in Large Federal Drug Conspiracy Case, Federal Marijuana Sentences May Be Reduced Based on Changing Marijuana Laws, Law Enforcement Now Using Wiretaps for Facebook, Instagram. By Page Pate. And even if you do that, it only protects you going forward. A drug crimes attorney can help explain your options and offer advocacy and representation when you have been charged with being involved in a drug operation. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. In Georgia, a motion to suppress evidence must generally be filed within 10 days after the arraignment date. For the first offense of Schedule I and Schedule II, which are considered the most dangerous drugs, you face between five and 30 years in prison, depending on the substance involved. What is a drug conspiracy? The penalty for violating this statute depends on the type, the schedule the drug falls under, and amount of the drug. Investigators also seized 20 firearms, including a fully automatic machine gun and several assault-style rifles, a trove of gang-related documents, and nearly $50,000 in cash. Great example of this defense is a case I tried here in Atlanta a couple of years ago. And then when they would distribute it in Atlanta, they would load it back up with cash, take it back to the Mexican border. 16-13-31(c), if a person possesses, grows, brings into the state more than 10 pounds of marijuana, it is considered trafficking. By removing the most serious charges, you may be able to avoid the harshest sentences. 16-13-31(a), Trafficking marijuana: O.C.G.A. Let our team of Newnan drug trafficking lawyers help you through this difficult time. There is no requirement that the person actually has to handle any drugs. As outlined below, Georgia law defines both these controversial elements very broadly in trafficking matters. Trafficking methamphetamine can also have serious consequences and penalties. Horrific new details have emerged in the case of the LGBT activist couple arrested in Georgia this past summer on suspicion of using their two adopted children to make child porn.. In early February 2019, Duffy moved into a house in Sandy Springs, Georgia, and used that residence to sell heroin. Another high-profile case also involving Georgia took place in 2014. In December 2017, following the arrest of a heroin dealer in Macon, federal and local law enforcement began investigating heroin distribution by co-defendant Summerford. Their dedication and complete commitment to their client is beyond reproach. But those are the basic elements and defenses involved in a federal drug conspiracy charge. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. The distribution of dangerous substances like, cocaine, crack, and marijuana continue to plague many communities. Have a question about Government Services? They dont have a history of it, theres not other evidence to show they were interested in finding out about the drug business. They didnt seal the recordings like they were supposed to. The following were arrested: Grayling Coley, age 26, of Cordele, Georgia was charged with: Two counts of Trafficking Heroin Two counts of Trafficking Methamphetamine One count of Distribution of Heroin One count of Possession of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute One count of Possession of cocaine with the intent to distribute Furthermore, possession of larger quantities of certain types of drugs (such as cocaine, opium, heroin, marijuana, and methamphetamine, to name a few) allows the presumption that the drugs were being trafficked which comes with much harsher punishment. We will forever be grateful to them for all their hard work, compassion and dedication. A traffic stop is only lawful where the officer had reasonable grounds based on specific and articulable facts for making the stop. Anderson faces a maximum sentence of four years in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. He was simply prescribing medicine for his patients, and he was acting within the legitimate medical practice and what his license allowed. Anyone charged with drug trafficking in Georgia will need a good criminal defense attorney to help navigate the process. Finally, challenging an unlawful search or a wiretap. They tried to sell me drugs. Weve also been successful suppressing wiretaps, and we see wiretaps now in almost every drug case. The person being charged, while there may be an agreement, he doesnt know about it. You need to consider that in almost any drug case theres usually going to be a search. Criminal indictments contain only charges; defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. We represent clients in Atlanta and throughout the state of Georgia. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. Federal arrest warrants were executed in Warner Robins, Georgia, and elsewhere, today resulting from a federal indictment returned on Nov. 16, charging the following individuals: The charge of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime carries a mandatory minimum of five years up to a maximum life sentence and a $250,000 fine; The charge of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon carries a maximum ten years in prison and a $250,000 fine; The charges of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and possession of methamphetamine each carry a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years up to a maximum life sentence and a $10,000,000 fine; The charge of distribution of cocaine base carries a maximum sentence of twenty years and a $1,000,000 fine; and. Well, if its this broad, you wonder, Are there any defenses to it? Because it is very broad under federal law. Georgia Drug Trafficking Charges O.C.G.A. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Serving clients across the United States Another defense, which is also a little complicated and difficult to use, is that the person withdrew from the conspiracy. The only exceptions to this rule are if the home owner gives consent to the search or if exigent circumstances (some immediate emergency requiring swift action) exist. When law enforcement seizes a significant quantity of drugs, its typically the result of a search involving an individuals home or automobile. We will contact you as soon as possible if we are able to help. An indictment is only an allegation of criminal conduct, and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt. However, the quantity of marijuana being trafficked impacts the penalties, and even affects parole guidelines. We will continue to work diligently along with our local and federal partners to investigate and dismantle drug trafficking organizations.. A total of 76 defendants are named in a newly unsealed federal indictment describing a massive drug trafficking investigation tied to the Ghost Face Gangsters criminal street gang that includes allegations of multiple deaths from illegal drug overdoses. Macon, Georgia 31202-1702, Macon: 478-752-3511 charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Cocaine, Crack and Marijuana. If the quantity of marijuana is is more than 10 pounds but less than 2,000 pounds, a person faces a mandatory minimum 5 years imprisonment and a $50,000.00 fine. What usually happens in a Georgia criminal case? Will it apply in my case? U.S. Attorney's Office, Middle District of Georgia, Sandy Springs Heroin Supplier Pleads Guilty in Middle Georgia Drug Trafficking Case, Connecticut Man Pleads Guilty to Trafficking Fentanyl on the Darknet, Man Indicted on Federal Racketeering Charge for Allegedly Murdering Teenage Girl To Increase Position in Violent Street Gang, Nine newly indicted on federal charges for crimes including drugs and illegal firearms possession, Sandy Springs Heroin Supplier Pleads Guilty In Middle Georgia Drug Trafficking Case. If you are convicted of 400 grams or more, you face a prison sentence of 25 to 30 years and a $1,000,000 fine. In some cases, the information submitted to the judge will be incomplete, false, stale, or obtained through unreliable sources. These are considered to be drugs with low or moderate potential for psychological or physical dependence, a lower chance of abuse, and accepted medical use. 16-13-31.1 criminalize the sale, manufacturing, delivery, or transportation into the state of controlled substances. Post Office Box 1702 Because of the absurdly high mandatory minimum sentences for trafficking, your sentence could be substantially higher than it would be if the case were in federal court. Michael Duffy, 43, of Sandy Springs, Georgia, pleaded guilty to one count conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin on Thursday, May 20. Help locate the three that are still wanted . Drug trafficking laws in Georgia impose mandatory federal minimum sentences if convicted of this crime. Some are truly illegal (like heroin) and some are legal with a valid prescription from a doctor. Under Georgia law, there are five different schedules or groups of types of drugs. The U.S. Attorneys Office for the Middle District of Georgia is recused from the case, which is being prosecuted by the Southern District. Two Key Defendants in Middle Georgia Drug Trafficking Conspiracy Sentenced to Federal Prison 'Operation Ace in the Hole' targeted major drug distributors STATESBORO, GA - Two Vidalia, Ga., men who played key roles in an expansive, gang-related drug trafficking ring in middle Georgia each have been sentenced to more than a decade in federal prison. MACON, Ga. The primary supplier of a heroin distribution ring operating between Atlanta and Macon, which funneled up to 30,000 doses of heroin into the region over a three month span, pleaded guilty to his crime in federal court. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Obviously there was an agreement. Including Adams, Jackson, and Toussaint, 22 of the 26 defendants have entered guilty pleas; 12 of them have been sentenced, with terms of up to 141 months in prison. U.S. Attorney's Office, Middle District of Georgia, Nine Federally Charged, Arrested in Middle GA Drug Trafficking Investigation, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), ACTIVITY IN THE UNITED STATES ATTORNEY'S OFFICE, Man Indicted on Federal Racketeering Charge for Allegedly Murdering Teenage Girl To Increase Position in Violent Street Gang, Nine newly indicted on federal charges for crimes including drugs and illegal firearms possession, Nine Federally Charged, Arrested In Middle GA Drug Trafficking Investigation. These are some defenses. For 200 to 400 grams, the sentence is 15 to 30 years with a fine of $300,000. At some point after the arraignment the State will provide the defendants lawyer with the discovery in the case. Dews was sentenced to serve 48 months in prison to be followed by one year of supervised release on March 3, 2021; Patrick Dews, 34, of Macon, pleaded guilty to one count use of a communication facility to facilitate a drug trafficking offense. If, for example, law enforcement detained a driver accused of speeding for an hour simply to wait on the arrival of a drug sniffing dog, the court would likely find such prolonged detention to be unlawful. Under Georgia law O.C.G.A. Our lawyers are licensed to practice in all state and federal courts in Georgia. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS These violent, gang-related drug dealers can no longer peddle poison in Vidalia, Ga., and the surrounding community, said Robert J. Murphy, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Atlanta Field Division. In most states, such as Georgia, in order to be charged with drug trafficking, the case must involve more than several pounds of marijuana or an ounce or more . And then once the government realized that, they dismissed the case. Drug trafficking is a significant problem in Georgia because it is one of the top five states for illegal drug use. MACON, Ga. - The primary supplier of a heroin distribution ring operating between Atlanta and Macon, which funneled up to 30,000 doses of heroin into the region over a three month span, pleaded guilty to his crime in federal court. They are dangerous and threaten the safety of our communities. 16-13-31 and O.C.G.A. Jan 17, 2023. The government stepped in and said, Youre prescribing too much medication. We are lawyers who are committed to helping people in difficult situations and we invite you to call us at 404-551-5684 for a free consultation today. The defendants charged in the 24-count indictment, most of whom have made initial court appearances, include: Prentice Bond, a/k/a P, a/k/a Peze, 35, of Macon, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Cocaine, Crack and Marijuana; Distribution of Cocaine; two counts of Distribution of 28 Grams or More of Cocaine; Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine, 28 Grams or More of Crack Cocaine, and a Quantity of Marijuana; Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana; Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon; Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime; and Maintaining a Drug-Involved Premises; Travis Robinson, a/k/a T-Roc, 45, of Fairburn, Ga., charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Cocaine, Crack and Marijuana; two counts of Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon; two counts of Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime; and Maintaining a Drug-Involved Premises; Xavier Cross, a/k/a Ro, a/k/a Kairo, 45, or Macon, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Cocaine, Crack and Marijuana; three counts of Distribution of Cocaine; two counts of Distribution of 28 Grams or More of Cocaine; Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana; Possession with Intent to Distribute 500 Grams or More of Cocaine, and a Quantity of Oxycodone; Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine and Marijuana; two counts of Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime; two counts of Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon; and two counts of Maintaining a Drug-Involved Premises; Charles Seang, 28, of Lilburn, Ga., charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Cocaine, Crack and Marijuana; Chester Hall, a/k/a Cheeseburger, a/k/a Cheese, 40, of Macon, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Cocaine, Crack and Marijuana; Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana; Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine and Marijuana; Possession with Intent to Distribute 500 Grams or More of Cocaine, and a Quantity of Oxycodone; Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine and Marijuana; Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime; and Maintaining a Drug-Involved Premises; Geneva Harvey, 39, of Macon, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Cocaine, Crack and Marijuana; Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana; two counts of Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime; two counts of Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon; and Maintaining a Drug-Involved Premises; Shaneka Jackson, 43, of Macon, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Cocaine, Crack and Marijuana; Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine, 28 Grams or More of Crack, and a Quantity of Marijuana; Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime; and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon; Rodreco Jones, a/k/a Freako, a/k/a Rico, 39, of Macon, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Cocaine, Crack and Marijuana; Earnest Milline, a/k/a Rome, a/k/a Jerome, 62, of Macon, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Cocaine, Crack and Marijuana; two counts of Distribution of Cocaine; and Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana; Morgan Allison, 22, of Macon, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Cocaine, Crack and Marijuana; Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine; and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime; George Leverett, 28, Macon, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Cocaine, Crack and Marijuana; and. Clearly those individuals were part of a drug conspiracy. Eight men and four women are charged as part of Operation Breaking the Bond, an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force investigation centered in the Bibb County area, said David H. Estes, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. Its a different conspiracy, and so the jury has to find him not guilty. Second, the sentencing court may use its own discretion to depart from a mandatory minimum sentence if the defendant was not a leader in the drug operation, if the defendant did not possess a weapon, the criminal conduct did not result in a death or serious bodily injury, the defendant has no prior felonies, and the interests of justice will not be served by applying the mandatory minimum sentence. A locked padlock If successful, a motion to suppress evidence will usually result in the dismissal of all drug charges well before trial. I represented a pilot who had a charter airline service. Motions to suppress evidence are based on the idea that law enforcement has violated an individual's Fourth Amendment right to be free of unreasonable searches and seizures or some other right protected by a specific Georgia law. Jackson faces a maximum 20 years in prison to be followed by at least three years of supervised release and a $1,000,000 fine; and. 16-13-31(c), Trafficking methamphetamine: O.C.G.A. We have successfully represented clients in serious criminal cases across the United States. A few common defenses include: The information provided above is a very general summary of Georgia drug trafficking and possession law at the time this text was prepared. Case Update: Five of the eight individuals wanted by the #FBI for drug trafficking conspiracy in Georgia are in custody. And so, while he actually helped them commit the offense, he wasnt aware of the unlawful plan,. As announced in a Jan. 11, 2023, multi-agency news conference held at Glynn County Police Department Headquarters [] On Saturday, January 14, a Columbus officer attempted to initiate a traffic stop in the area of Beacon . The Justice Department announced the arrest of more than 110 people on gun and drug charges in three states. All rights reserved. In these cases, the judge has limited discretion in imposing a sentence and often cant sentence you to a lesser penalty than the mandatory minimum if you are convicted, despite the circumstances of the crime. According to Georgia law, selling drugs or trafficking a controlled substance can result in expensive drug charges that require substantial assistance. to be charged with drug trafficking. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. Toombs County residents can take comfort in these two sentences, and many more to follow, that will keep this predatory gang off their streets.. Summerford was sentenced to serve 80 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release on March 3, 2021; Courtney Dews, 36, of Macon, pleaded guilty to one count use of a communication facility to facilitate a drug trafficking offense. This case is an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation conductedby Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, & Explosives (ATF), United States Marshals Service (USMS), the Monroe County Sherriffs Office, the Bibb County Sherriffs Office, and the Warner Robins Police Department. There is no parole in the federal system. The most strict penalties for trafficking marijuana, on the other hand, are measured in pounds. So I thought it might be helpful to talk about the basics. They are found in the Title 16 Crimes and Offenses Chapter 13 Controlled Substances. If you are charged with trafficking cocaine, that is not merely a slap on the wrist. The operation is being investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, the FBI, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, the Bibb County Sheriffs Office Narcotics Unit, the Peach County Sheriffs Office, the Braselton Police Department and the Union City Police Department, with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the U.S. In fact, according to Georgia statutes, penalties for this crime include fines of up to one million dollars and jail time of up to 30 years. Law enforcement successfully stopped what was a steady flow of heroin from an Atlanta-based supplier into the Macon community, undoubtedly saving lives, said Acting U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. Ive been representing people in federal court over the past 20 years, and Ive handled a lot of federal drug conspiracy cases. Read aboutour firms successin Georgia criminal cases. Jackson pled guilty to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute More Than 5 Grams of Methamphetamine, and Quantities of Marijuana and Cocaine. As a general matter, possession of less than 1 ounce of marijuana is a misdemeanor (O.C.G.A. Tawana Daniels, 40, of Fairburn, Ga., charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Cocaine, Crack and Marijuana; Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime; and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Marietta Office Suites 55 Atlanta St. So when they go to trial, if they dont prove exactly whats in that indictment, then the jury cannot find the person guilty. 666 in hebrew, leap of faith water slide accident, red rock deli cabbage rolls recipe, cohen family vancouver, multi party system advantages and disadvantages, kentucky inmate early release 2020, how to rejoin yarn to stitches on holder, wa housing market predictions, umi sushi nutrition facts, paula kelly actress daughter, dr jim karas marilyn denis husband, balsamic vinaigrette calories vs ranch, revelxp tailgate guys, penny jane owen, dave olsen starbucks net worth,
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