A Tifton man has admitted guilt in a federal court for distributing methamphetamine sourced from Mexico. Travarious Deshawn Mike, 29, pleaded guilty to two counts of methamphetamine distribution before U.S. District Judge Leslie Abrams Gardner on February 3. Each count carries a potential maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, followed by at least three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million. The sentencing date is yet to be set by the court.
Acting U.S. Attorney Shanelle Booker commented on the case, stating, "The defendant was transporting large quantities of methamphetamine from an Atlanta source into the Tifton community. Even after his initial arrest, he willfully continued to violate the law and traffic dangerous drugs into Southwest Georgia." She emphasized the collaborative efforts with various law enforcement agencies to address repeat offenders in the Middle District of Georgia.
GBI Director Chris Hosey remarked on the investigation's outcome: "This investigation resulting in the seizure of meth, heroin and firearms is a clear reminder of the dangerous networks we continue to dismantle." He reiterated GBI's commitment to disrupting drug trafficking operations linked to hazardous supply sources.
Court documents reveal that GBI agents recorded Mike supplying methamphetamine during a controlled buy using a confidential informant on August 15, 2022. A tracking device monitored by GBI showed Mike traveling from Tifton to Atlanta on August 30, 2022. Following this trip, Crisp County Sheriff's Office deputies stopped his vehicle due to brake light and window tint violations. A search led to discovering 502 grams of heroin in his possession.
Simultaneously, surveillance at Mike's residence resulted in finding over eight kilograms of high-purity methamphetamine transported by a courier from Atlanta. Further searches uncovered firearms and additional narcotics linked to Mike's operation.
On June 5, 2024, Monroe County Sheriff's Office attempted another traffic stop involving Mike but ended with him crashing his vehicle after discarding approximately one pound of methamphetamine during pursuit.
The investigation involved multiple agencies including GBI, DEA, ATF, Georgia State Patrol (GSP), Tifton Police Department (TPD), Crisp County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO), and Monroe County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO). Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Redavid is leading the prosecution for this case.