Seven individuals connected to a drug trafficking ring based in Dunwoody have been sentenced for distributing fentanyl, methamphetamine, and other drugs in the metro-Atlanta area. The group's leader, Karla Lopez-Delgado, was also convicted of having methamphetamine with the intent to distribute in a home where a child resided.
Acting U.S. Attorney Richard S. Moultrie, Jr. remarked, "This case underscores our Office’s unwavering commitment to dismantle drug trafficking networks that threaten our communities with deadly substances," emphasizing the office's and law enforcement's collective determination in prosecuting those who profit from distributing drugs.
Steven N. Schrank, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations for Georgia and Alabama, stated, "Drug dealers who poison our communities will be held accountable. These sentences serve as a warning to anyone who thinks they can profit off addiction — we will find you, and you will be prosecuted." He reinforced the dedication of HSI and local partners to combat drug operations.
Beginning in 2022, the investigation by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) revealed that Lopez-Delgado's operation was supported by Jonathon Torres-Aguirre, who was imprisoned in Georgia. Investigators raided Lopez-Delgado's apartment and discovered large quantities of fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine, and a handgun.
U.S. District Judge Steven D. Grimberg sentenced the defendants:
- Karla Lopez-Delgado received 19 years, eight months in prison with five years of supervised release.
- Jonathon Torres-Aguirre was sentenced to 12 years, seven months in prison and five years of supervised release.
- Marco Camacho-Escobar received 10 years, one month in prison and three years of supervised release.
- Issac Duran-Gomez was sentenced to three years, seven months in prison with three years of supervised release.
- Carlos Santiago received five years, three months in prison and four years of supervised release.
- Bennie Shelton was sentenced to three years, ten months in prison and five years of supervised release.
- Kiara Jones received one year of home detention and three years of supervised release.
The case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, with assistance from agencies including the U.S. Secret Service and the United States Marshals Service, among others. Assistant United States Attorney Matthew R. LaGrone and former Assistant United States Attorney Tyler Mann prosecuted the case.
This prosecution formed part of Operation Take Back America, aiming to combat illegal immigration, cartels, and transnational criminal organizations while protecting communities from crime. The case also involved the David G. Wilhelm Atlanta OCDETF Strike Force, which targets major drug and criminal organizations in Georgia.
For more information, contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6280. More details can be found on the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia's website.