Two Albany residents, both with prior felony records, have been sentenced to federal prison following separate investigations into armed methamphetamine trafficking in Southwest Georgia.
Wallace Eric Strickland, aged 40, received a sentence of 286 months in prison with an additional ten years of supervised release. This sentencing was handed down by U.S. District Judge Louis Sands on November 21 after Strickland pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Tanaka Grant, also known as “Knock-Off,” aged 39, was sentenced to 120 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release. Chief U.S. District Judge Leslie Abrams Gardner delivered the sentence on November 22 after Grant pleaded guilty to distribution of methamphetamine.
Federal parole is not available for these sentences.
“Armed methamphetamine trafficking endangers the communities we serve and will not be tolerated by our office,” stated U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. He emphasized the collaborative efforts among law enforcement agencies in addressing such crimes.
DEA Atlanta Division's Special Agent Robert J. Murphy described Strickland as "a dangerous individual," noting his involvement in drug distribution while possessing firearms and instructing a co-conspirator to continue distributing drugs during his incarceration.
ATF Assistant Special Agent Beau Kolodka highlighted the risks posed by felons illegally possessing firearms and reaffirmed efforts to remove such threats from communities.
“These sentences send a clear message that methamphetamine trafficking has no place in our communities,” said GBI Director Chris Hosey, reiterating the commitment to holding offenders accountable.
In Strickland’s case, Americus Police Department officers discovered firearms and illegal substances during a traffic stop involving Strickland and Ryan Farr on February 24, 2022. Further investigation revealed communication detailing a larger conspiracy linked to a Mexican drug cartel for methamphetamine distribution.
After returning to prison for another conviction related to methamphetamine distribution, authorities found evidence suggesting Strickland continued illegal activities from behind bars using a cell phone sourced through illicit means.
Co-defendants involved with Strickland faced various charges: Niki Lynn Crabtree-Booth awaits sentencing; Aryn Brittany Jones received a ten-year sentence; Ryan Daniel Farr was sentenced to over five years for obstruction of justice.
Grant’s case involved controlled purchases of approximately 100 grams of methamphetamine conducted under surveillance using an informant in May and July 2022. Authorities arrested Grant at an Albany inn where he possessed drugs and a loaded handgun alongside other paraphernalia.
Investigations were conducted by several agencies including DEA, GBI, APD with assistance from ATF. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matt Redavid and Veronica Hansis prosecuted the respective cases.