A man from Southwest Georgia has been sentenced to 40 years in federal prison for distributing large quantities of fentanyl and other drugs while possessing firearms. Larry Roger Sparks, Jr., aged 46, was sentenced by Chief U.S. District Judge Leslie A. Gardner on January 3. Sparks pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including distribution of a heroin and fentanyl mixture, methamphetamine distribution at locations where minors resided, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine, and possession of a firearm during drug trafficking.
"Fentanyl and guns are a dangerous combination which will not be tolerated by this office or our law enforcement partners," stated U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. He emphasized that repeat offenders would face accountability for endangering community safety.
Robert J. Murphy, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Division, remarked on the importance of removing such criminals from the streets due to the deadly impact of fentanyl on Americans aged 18-45.
GBI Director Chris Hosey commented on the ongoing efforts to combat drug traffickers targeting Georgia communities: "This case serves as an example of our continued efforts to stop the drug traffickers who ruthlessly target Georgia communities."
Court documents revealed that an undercover investigation in 2023 led agents to Sparks' residence in Albany, where he was found distributing significant amounts of illegal substances while minors were present. The investigation involved multiple controlled purchases from Sparks between March and May 2023.
On May 16, agents executed a search warrant at his home on Pinecrest Drive in Albany, discovering substantial quantities of fentanyl and methamphetamine along with firearms and cash. Sparks was arrested during a traffic stop later that day with additional weapons and money.
Sparks has prior convictions for armed robbery and drug-related offenses in Michigan and Georgia.
The case was investigated by several law enforcement agencies including the Worth County Sheriff's Office, Lee County Sheriff's Office, GBI Southwestern Regional Drug Enforcement Office (SWRDEO), and DEA. Criminal Chief Leah McEwen prosecuted the case for the government.