A Macon resident, Gary Hollingshed, has been sentenced to 110 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for distributing fentanyl and other narcotics in Central Georgia. The sentence was handed down by U.S. District Judge Marc Treadwell after Hollingshed pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of fentanyl. There is no parole available in the federal system.
"Fentanyl kills, and traffickers of this lethal narcotic will face federal prosecution in the Middle District of Georgia," stated U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. He emphasized the commitment of law enforcement partners to prosecute those selling fentanyl and other dangerous drugs.
Robert J. Murphy, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Division, remarked on Hollingshed's criminal activities: "This career criminal is a tragic example of individuals who have no regard for the safety of our community." He affirmed that the DEA would continue efforts to bring drug traffickers to justice.
Bibb County Sheriff David Davis commented on the conviction: "It is good that justice has been served concerning the illegal deeds of Gary Hollingshed." He acknowledged the diligence and dedication shown by local sheriff’s offices and federal partners in ensuring community safety from deadly drug distribution.
The investigation into Hollingshed began when federal and local agencies suspected him of distributing fentanyl, heroin, and methamphetamine in Macon. On February 10, 2022, agents made their first controlled purchase from him at a hotel parking lot in Macon—acquiring approximately 83.9 grams of nearly pure methamphetamine. A second controlled purchase occurred on February 16 at a local store where he sold what was thought to be heroin but turned out to be a fentanyl mixture weighing 28.56 grams along with 140.1 grams of methamphetamine.
Hollingshed was apprehended on March 9, 2022, after being stopped for a malfunctioning taillight while returning from Atlanta with supplies including nearly a kilogram of methamphetamine and 56.3 grams of fentanyl found in his car along with three preschool-aged children present during the stop.
A subsequent search warrant executed on March 15 at his supplier's residence led to further seizures including over half a kilogram of methamphetamine, various firearms, cocaine variants, scales, and marijuana.
Deputy Criminal Chief Will Keyes prosecuted this case for the government which involved investigations conducted by DEA alongside Bibb County Sheriff’s Office and Monroe County Sheriff’s Office.