A Georgia man, Justin Brian Melton, has been sentenced to over 17 years in prison for trafficking fentanyl and methamphetamine while incarcerated. Melton, aged 35, was previously convicted of heroin trafficking in Mobile County, Alabama, in 2022 and received a 20-year sentence at Ventress prison in Clayton, Alabama.
Between March 2023 and May 2024, Melton orchestrated drug shipments from the Atlanta area into southern Alabama using contraband cell phones. In November 2023, law enforcement arrested one of his coconspirators in Atmore, Alabama, seizing half a kilogram of fentanyl. This coconspirator had just returned from Atlanta after completing a drug deal arranged by Melton. Investigators found messages on the coconspirator's phone detailing these transactions.
Authorities obtained AT&T records confirming that the contraband phones used by Melton were registered under his name. Cell tower data indicated consistent activity near Ventress prison during the conspiracy period. Recorded communications further implicated Melton's use of these phones to coordinate with coconspirators.
Chief United States District Judge Jeffrey U. Beaverstock sentenced Melton to a 210-month prison term followed by ten years of supervised release with mandatory drug testing and treatment. No fine was imposed; however, Melton must pay $200 in special assessments.
The announcement came from U.S. Attorney Sean P. Costello of the Southern District of Alabama. The case was investigated by several agencies including the Drug Enforcement Administration and local sheriff’s offices. Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Roller prosecuted the case.