Thirty-eight individuals, including inmates from Georgia state prisons, have been sentenced for their involvement in a drug trafficking operation that distributed heroin, methamphetamine, and fentanyl across the metro-Atlanta area. The operation also laundered proceeds to Mexico.
Acting U.S. Attorney Richard S. Moultrie, Jr. highlighted the efforts of federal, state, and local authorities in dismantling the organization: "The successful dismantling of this large organization is a result of a tenacious multi-year effort from federal, state, and local authorities to root out narcotics trafficking originating from state prisons."
Jae W. Chung of the DEA Atlanta Division stated that these sentences reflect the community's suffering due to this drug ring: “These sentences mirror the destructive impact on the community caused by this violent drug trafficking organization.”
Sean Burke from FBI Atlanta praised law enforcement collaboration: “Thanks to the hard work and collaboration of our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners, thirty-eight members of this extensive drug distribution network will spend significant time behind bars where they will no longer be able to plague our community with poison.”
Investigations revealed that prison inmates used contraband phones for brokering drug transactions in metro-Atlanta. They relied on external associates for storage and distribution while laundering money through local remitters. Violence was threatened against non-cooperative members; one plot involved abducting and murdering a narcotics dealer.
A Grand Jury indicted 19 conspirators initially; further investigations led to more indictments including those of high-level brokers Jesus Sanchez-Morales and Juan Ramirez. Despite being in custody, Ramirez continued his activities using contraband phones.
Authorities seized substantial quantities of drugs and cash during this investigation. The defendants were sentenced by U.S. District Judge Leigh Martin May.
Juan Ramirez received 27 years for multiple counts including conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, heroin, and fentanyl after being found guilty by a jury in July 2024.
Jesus Sanchez-Morales also received 27 years following his guilty plea in June 2020 for conspiracy related charges involving methamphetamine, heroin, and fentanyl.
Others convicted include Martin Maldonado (19 years), Benjamin Villareal Perez (19 years), Jaime Chavez (17 years), Aszavious Anderson (15 years), Kristofer Ty Armistead (15 years), Mario Castillo (15 years), Aricus Cantrell Holloway (15 years), Cristian Hernandez-Lovo (15 years), Jesus Antonio Molina-Ortiz (15 years), Jamar Tyrone Zanders (15 years), Brandon Richard Duncan (14 years) among others receiving varying sentences.
Eusebio Paniagua-Paz remains at large with authorities seeking public assistance for information on his whereabouts.
The case was investigated by several agencies including DEA and FBI alongside other local law enforcement bodies under an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces operation aimed at disrupting high-level criminal organizations threatening national security.
For further inquiries contact U.S Attorney’s Public Affairs Office via email or phone as listed above.