16-13-31 (c), a person commits the offense of Trafficking in Marijuana when he or she sells, manufactures, grows, delivers, brings into this state, or has possession of a quantity of marijuana exceeding ten pounds. 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. 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. Williams was in possession of approximately one ounce of methamphetamine and arrested. Lock Defending Georgia Drug Trafficking Cases by Winning Motions to Suppress Evidence. To avoid the most serious penalties, hiring an experienced legal representative may be critical when you face a serious felony charge. 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.. Under Georgias drug trafficking laws, you face a significant possibility of lengthy prison time if you are caught with a large enough amount of a controlled substance that you intend to distribute. Or, in other words, either actual or constructive possession will be enough to establish the possession needed to support a drug trafficking charge. Law enforcement also may not unreasonably prolong a traffic stop beyond the time required to fulfill the purpose of the stop (which is usually the time it takes to issue a citation). They didnt seal the recordings like they were supposed to. If a judge signs a warrant not supported by probable cause, the warrant is invalid and the fruits of any search must generally be suppressed. 16-13-31(c), Trafficking methamphetamine: O.C.G.A. Another defense, which is also a little complicated and difficult to use, is that the person withdrew from the conspiracy. If convicted of trafficking in Georgia of 200 grams or more but less than 400 grams, then the punishment range increases. So its lack of predisposition, and its that second thing, the government conduct. 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. A traffic stop is only lawful where the officer had reasonable grounds based on specific and articulable facts for making the stop. "Today, the Justice Department has taken several significant enforcement actions to disrupt large-scale illegal gun and drug . 16-13-31(b). A total of 60 felony counts are alleged in the indictment. The difference between possession or selling methamphetamine from trafficking methamphetamine is the amount of drugs. The operation, which started in mid-2019, targeted sources of illegal drugs brought into and distributed in the Macon area, and led to a series of searches in which large amounts of cocaine, crack cocaine, oxycodone, and marijuana were seized, along with nearly $97,000 in cash, a machine for pressing kilo-sized bricks of cocaine, money counters, scales, and drug packaging materials. Attorneys Noah J . 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. An experienced attorney may be able to get the prosecutor to consent to a bond in the case if you have ties to the community and meet the above factors. watch thisvideo. A good example of that is a case I handled just last year representing a doctor who worked at a pain clinic. Albany: 229-430-7754 I represented a pilot who had a charter airline service. 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. If you need the best, then hire the best! The charges of possession of cocaine with intent to distribute and possession of cocaine base with intent to distribute each carry a mandatory minimum sentence of five years up to a maximum sentence of 40 years and a $5,000,000 fine. But, in some cases, a judge can depart from the mandatory minimum term of imprisonment if, for example, the persons criminal conduct didnt result in death or serious injury, or they didnt possess a dangerous weapon or a firearm at the time when the crime was committed. 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 You know, The government came after me. 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. What is a drug conspiracy? Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. 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. Weve done that in many cases, and usually because the evidence that they find during the search is so important, if we can keep that out, the case will be dismissed. We can be grateful that countless individuals have been saved from a drug overdose or a gunshot wound by the work of the law enforcement professionals in this operation., Operation Breaking the Bond is another example of the FBIs willingness to work with our federal, state and local partners to dismantle organizations that endanger our communities, said Chris Hacker, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. Those trips that were confirmed using interceptions and/or surveillance. 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. 2022 by The Church Law Firm LLC. 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. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alex Kalim is prosecuting the case. MACON, GA - Twelve defendants have been charged in a newly unsealed federal indictment alleging a middle Georgia drug trafficking conspiracy. Because of this, many counties have special units dedicated to stopping drug trafficking on the roadways. It is not uncommon for officers to then search the vehicle for contraband. This exception allows law enforcement to search a vehicle (that has been lawfully stopped) without a search warrant if there is probable cause to believe that the vehicle contains contraband. In that case, it is considered drug trafficking under Section 16-13-31 and the punishment is as follows: mandatory 5-year minimum imprisonment if the quantity is more than 4 but less than 14 grams and a $50,000.00 fine; mandatory 10 year minimum imprisonment if the quantity is more than 14 but less than 28 grams and a $100,000.00 fine; and mandatory 25 year minimum imprisonment if the quantity is more than 28 grams and a $500,000.00 fine. The first element is that there is an agreement to violate the drug laws, and that sounds pretty simple. 2.79 tons of liquid heroin from a lorry that entered Georgia from Azerbaijan. 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. 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. We will continue to work diligently along with our local and federal partners to investigate and dismantle drug trafficking organizations.. Obviously there was an agreement. Secure .gov websites use HTTPSA lock ( Se Habla Espaol, 101 Marietta Street NWSuite 3300Atlanta, GA 30303(404) 223-3310, 2022 by The Church Law Firm LLC. Operation Ace in the Hole, whose name was derived from Adams alias, was an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation initiated in August 2018 in response to increasing levels of gang violence and drug-related activities in the Vidalia area. They are complete masters of their knowledge of the law and understanding the court system while providing the top investigative team and forensic technology with a top notch administrative staff. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Operation Breaking the Bond is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. COLUMBUS, Ga. (WTVM) - A man was arrested on multiple charges during a drug bust in Columbus. During December 2018 and January 2019, Duffy sold heroin from a trap house located in an Atlanta apartment. All rights reserved. Actual possession means that an individual has an illegal substance on them, in their proximity or that he or she has direct control over the drugs. What is Drug Trafficking? From December 2018 to February 2019, Summerford generally went to Duffy to resupply heroin approximately every four to five days and usually purchased approximately 142 grams on each trip. Number one, the person was not predisposed at being involved in a drug conspiracy. The first element of trafficking involves whether you: The second element involves possessing, manufacturing, delivering, or distributing a certain amount of a drug, which varies between the controlled substances. 16-13-30 left off. Extra to the new charges against these suspected child rapists who frequently hashtagged their social media posts #gayfamily," there are now indications they may have trafficked the young boys to fellow pedophiles. 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. For 200 to 400 grams, the sentence is a minimum of 15 years with a fine of $300,000. We represent clients in Atlanta and throughout the state of Georgia. 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. A person convicted of possessing a drug in Schedule III, IV, or V may be imprisoned for 1 to 5 years. To put it another way, the officer must have a particularized and objective basis for suspecting the person of criminal activity. If the search was conducted pursuant to a warrant, there are three primary ways to attack the lawfulness of the search. A locked padlock They kept on after the person. 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. 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