Fourteen individuals have been sentenced to federal prison for their roles in a drug trafficking ring that operated from within a prison, distributing methamphetamine and heroin in the metro Atlanta area. The sentences were announced by Acting U.S. Attorney Richard S. Moultrie, Jr., who emphasized the ongoing threat posed by such activities.
"Several of the defendants even continued their criminal activity by orchestrating drug transactions from prison, posing a serious risk to public safety," said Moultrie. "These sentences reflect the dedication and collaborative efforts of our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to disrupt the distribution of poisonous drugs into our communities."
Jae W. Chung, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Division, added: "These sentences reflect the destructive impact on the community caused by this drug trafficking organization. Wherever you operate, if you distribute dangerous drugs, DEA will find you and hold you accountable."
The investigation began in January 2018 when DEA agents discovered that inmates Jesus Garcia-Gutierez and Miguel Elorza used contraband cellphones at Jenkins Correctional Center to arrange drug deals outside the facility. Their operations involved several individuals coordinating methamphetamine and heroin transactions throughout metro Atlanta.
Notable incidents included Garcia-Gutierez arranging a methamphetamine delivery on May 24, 2018; Anthony Bernard Jordan organizing a heroin and methamphetamine pickup on June 3, 2018; Christopher Butler coordinating with Joseph Brown for a sale on August 16, 2018; Quantavius Foster attempting to smuggle drugs into prison on August 30, 2018; Darrell White transporting heroin on October 16, 2018; and Tiffany Julian with Jonathan Tyler Bryant picking up methamphetamine and prescription pills on November 1, 2018.
In total, this operation was responsible for distributing over 14 kilograms of methamphetamine and approximately 860 grams of heroin across Northern Georgia.
All defendants pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges related to possessing with intent to distribute controlled substances. Sentences ranged from one year for Joseph Brown to over fifteen years for Jesus Garcia Gutierez.
The case was investigated by multiple agencies including the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), Georgia State Patrol (GSP), among others. Assistant U.S. Attorney Bethany L. Rupert along with former Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas Joy prosecuted this case.
For more information or inquiries about this case or related issues concerning drug dangers can be directed towards relevant resources provided by law enforcement agencies.