A Columbus resident, Quantay Thomas, has been sentenced to over 14 years in federal prison for distributing methamphetamine. The sentencing was handed down by U.S. District Judge Clay Land on December 17, following an investigation that began in 2019.
Thomas, aged 40, will serve 175 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release. He pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of methamphetamine on August 20. Federal sentences do not include parole.
U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary stated, "Repeat armed offenders will be held accountable for crimes which perpetuate violence in the Columbus community." He emphasized the collaboration between local, state, and federal law enforcement to ensure justice is served.
Robert J. Murphy, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Division, described Thomas as a "dangerous career criminal," noting the sentence reflects the harm caused by his drug distribution activities while armed.
Muscogee County Sheriff Greg Countryman expressed commitment to combating drug activity and violent crime: "We must keep up the good fight...for safe streets and a safer Muscogee County."
Harris County Sheriff Mike Jolley praised the cooperative efforts leading to Thomas's arrest and sentencing: "This is a prime example of multi agencies working together to accomplish the mission."
Court documents reveal DEA agents conducted controlled purchases from Thomas on May 17 and September 6, 2019. These operations led to federal warrants for his arrest. Agents apprehended him on November 29, 2023, at a residence on Double Churches Rd., where they found a loaded Glock .45 caliber pistol and three bags containing methamphetamine totaling over 418 grams.
Thomas has prior convictions in Muscogee County Superior Court for aggravated assault and illegal firearm possession.
The case was investigated by multiple agencies including the DEA and local sheriff’s offices with support from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI). Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Williams and Crawford Seals prosecuted for the government.