But my client, even though he carried them into Atlanta, even though he flew them back and obviously helped them accomplish their unlawful plan, he didnt know about it. If a hearing is requested, the court will set the hearing down to be heard on a specific date. Federal arrest warrants were executed in Warner Robins, Georgia, and elsewhere, today resulting from a federal indictment returned on Nov. 16, charging the following individuals: Antoine Riley, 44, of Warner Robins, is charged with one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, one count of possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon, one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, one count of distribution of cocaine base, one count . Contact The Waltman Firm to schedule a consultation today! For instance, the driver may grant permission for the officer to search the vehicles trunk. 16-13-2). They will walk you through each legal process, demonstrating professionalism while being aggressive advocates for you. Bibb County Sheriff David J. Davis said, This case illustrates the continued commitment of Bibb Investigators and our local and federal partners to rid our streets of dangerous drugs and illegal firearms. Somebodys house was searched, somebodys car was searched, a storage shed, a business. Drug trafficking is a significant problem in Georgia because it is one of the top five states for illegal drug use. In Cobb County, bonds for trafficking range from $65,000 up to $125,000. Under Georgias drug trafficking laws, you face a significant possibility of lengthy prison time if you are caught with a large enough amount of a controlled substance that you intend to distribute. Have a question about Government Services? How to Apply for the New Pretrial Diversion Program in Federal Court, Our Firm Helps Client Avoid Prison in Large Federal Drug Conspiracy Case, Federal Marijuana Sentences May Be Reduced Based on Changing Marijuana Laws, Law Enforcement Now Using Wiretaps for Facebook, Instagram. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. One of the most powerful tools a criminal defense lawyer has in a drug trafficking or possession case is the motion to suppress evidence. It is also illegal to manufacture, deliver, distribute, sell, or possess with intent to distribute any controlled substance (with limited exceptions). The amount of cocaine chosen as the dividing line between possession and trafficking is 28 grams. In June 2019, investigators executed search warrants at eight houses used for stashing or distributing narcotics in Atlanta and Vidalia, seizing more than two kilos of cocaine, four kilos of marijuana, half a kilo of methamphetamine, more than two kilos of MDMA, pints of Codeine, 600 grams of Xanax, pill presses, and surveillance equipment. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. Secure .gov websites use HTTPSA lock ( Individuals pulled over in their automobiles during a traffic stop do not enjoy the same level of protection and privacy. The charges of possession of cocaine with intent to distribute and possession of cocaine base with intent to distribute each carry a mandatory minimum sentence of five years up to a maximum sentence of 40 years and a $5,000,000 fine. They can make a few phone calls and be part of a drug conspiracy. The operation, which started in mid-2019, targeted sources of illegal drugs brought into and distributed in the Macon area, and led to a series of searches in which large amounts of cocaine, crack cocaine, oxycodone, and marijuana were seized, along with nearly $97,000 in cash, a machine for pressing kilo-sized bricks of cocaine, money counters, scales, and drug packaging materials. . An official website of the United States government. Drug trafficking is a serious criminal charge based on certain quantities of illegal drugs. A traffic stop is only lawful where the officer had reasonable grounds based on specific and articulable facts for making the stop. In a press release from the department, on Jan . Lock It will serve as a multi-jurisdictional drug enforcement agency controlled by Georgia Bureau of Investigation. Law enforcement also may not unreasonably prolong a traffic stop beyond the time required to fulfill the purpose of the stop (which is usually the time it takes to issue a citation). WAYCROSS, Ga. (WALB) - 76 drug traffickers were named in Operation Ghost Busted, the largest drug trafficking investigation in the Southern District of Georgia, on Jan. 11. Its just this agreement, and then knowing about the agreement, saying, I wanna be a part of it. The person can drive a car and be part of a drug conspiracy. According to Georgia law, selling drugs or trafficking a controlled substance can result in expensive drug charges that require substantial assistance. If you are convicted of trafficking an amount of cocaine between 28 and 200 grams, the sentence can be ten to thirty years in the state penitentiary and a fine of $200,000. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. 16-13-31). Similarly, these numbers will also go up for every amount over 2,000 pounds. They tried to sell me drugs. Drug trafficking charges are serious in Georgia and are nearly always prosecuted as a felony offense. The number of illegally possessed firearms seized in this case also provides a glimpse into the dangerous underworld of narcotics trafficking.. "Today, the Justice Department has taken several significant enforcement actions to disrupt large-scale illegal gun and drug . In 2014, the Ministry of Internal Affairs seized approx. However, under O.C.G.A. For example, if your charge of trafficking can be negotiated to a charge of drug possession, it may drop from a felony to a misdemeanor. In another situation, another wiretap case, the government had probable cause to get the wiretap but they didnt follow the specific requirements of the statute. 16-13-31(c), Trafficking methamphetamine: O.C.G.A. charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Cocaine, Crack and Marijuana. This exception allows law enforcement to search a vehicle (that has been lawfully stopped) without a search warrant if there is probable cause to believe that the vehicle contains contraband. As long as theres an agreement between two or more people to do something that violates the federal drug laws, the government can prove that first element. Post Office Box 1702 Adams was sentenced to 165 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, while Jackson was sentenced to 188 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release. A locked padlock As described in the recently unsealed indictment, each of the 12 defendants is charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Controlled Substances, including 5 kilograms or more of cocaine; 28 grams or more of crack cocaine; and a quantity of marijuana. The heroin that was seized at that time was tested at the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) Mid-Atlantic Laboratory and was positively identified as heroin weighing 98.47 grams. Eight men and four women are charged as part of Operation Breaking the Bond, an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force investigation centered in the Bibb County area, said David H. Estes, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. An official website of the United States government. If a warrant fails to state the exact address of the place to be searched or the specific items that may be seized by law enforcement, the warrant may be deemed invalid. Have a question about Government Services? Initial appearances for the defendants occurred today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Charles H. Weigle. They are dangerous and threaten the safety of our communities. They also criminalize the mere possession of larger quantities of certain controlled substances, picking up where O.C.G.A. And it is. However, for small amounts of marijuana, or if your trafficking case is reduced to possession, you may be able to get your charges reduced to a misdemeanor. Drug trafficking charges are serious in Georgia and are nearly always prosecuted as a felony offense. We will continue to work diligently along with our local and federal partners to investigate and dismantle drug trafficking organizations., These sentences reinforce our strong commitment to dismantle gangs that plague our communities with drugs, guns and violence, and threaten the safety of the citizens who live in them, said Chris Hacker, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. As announced in a Jan. 11, 2023, multi-agency news conference held at Glynn County Police Department Headquarters [] So when they go to trial, if they dont prove exactly whats in that indictment, then the jury cannot find the person guilty. If a judge signs a warrant not supported by probable cause, the warrant is invalid and the fruits of any search must generally be suppressed. In that case, it is considered drug trafficking under Section 16-13-31 and the punishment is as follows: mandatory 5-year minimum imprisonment if the quantity is more than 4 but less than 14 grams and a $50,000.00 fine; mandatory 10 year minimum imprisonment if the quantity is more than 14 but less than 28 grams and a $100,000.00 fine; and mandatory 25 year minimum imprisonment if the quantity is more than 28 grams and a $500,000.00 fine. Another defense is that there is no knowledge of the agreement. There is no parole in the federal system. Great example of this defense is a case I tried here in Atlanta a couple of years ago. BEST IN TOWN! Obtaining legal advice regarding the most current illegal drugs law can potentially save you money and trouble. For the first offense of Schedule I and Schedule II, which are considered the most dangerous drugs, you face between five and 30 years in prison, depending on the substance involved. Columbus: 706-649-7700. The State may also introduce the search warrant into evidence along with any other evidence it deems to be relevant. They are found in the Title 16 Crimes and Offenses Chapter 13 Controlled Substances. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS If you are charged with trafficking cocaine, that is not merely a slap on the wrist. A criminal defense lawyer may attack: 1) the information used to procure the warrant; 2) the specificity of the warrant; and 3) the search itself. So he had no knowledge of the agreement, and the jury found him not guilty of all charges. Im out. Thats fine, but to really take advantage of this defense you have to communicate that to either law enforcement, or make it clear to everybody else in the conspiracy. Summerford was sentenced to serve 80 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release on March 3, 2021; Courtney Dews, 36, of Macon, pleaded guilty to one count use of a communication facility to facilitate a drug trafficking offense. However, the quantity of marijuana being trafficked impacts the penalties, and even affects parole guidelines. In December 2017, following the arrest of a heroin dealer in Macon, federal and local law enforcement began investigating heroin distribution by co-defendant Summerford. So lets say they go to trial. When law enforcement seizes a significant quantity of drugs, its typically the result of a search involving an individuals home or automobile. This case is an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation conductedby Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, & Explosives (ATF), United States Marshals Service (USMS), the Monroe County Sherriffs Office, the Bibb County Sherriffs Office, and the Warner Robins Police Department. Nine defendants are among those facing federal charges including illegal possession of firearms after separate indictments by a grand jury in the Southern District of Georgia, while recent actions in Middle District of Georgia We can be grateful that countless individuals have been saved from a drug overdose or a gunshot wound by the work of the law enforcement professionals in this operation., Operation Breaking the Bond is another example of the FBIs willingness to work with our federal, state and local partners to dismantle organizations that endanger our communities, said Chris Hacker, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. A person convicted of possessing a drug in Schedule III, IV, or V may be imprisoned for 1 to 5 years. Drug trafficking is a serious criminal offense, and although incidents are usually not as widespread as the recent bust of the alleged Mexico-based cartel, these types of cases are some of the most complexes. U.S. Attorney's Office, Middle District of Georgia, Nine Federally Charged, Arrested in Middle GA Drug Trafficking Investigation, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), ACTIVITY IN THE UNITED STATES ATTORNEY'S OFFICE, Man Indicted on Federal Racketeering Charge for Allegedly Murdering Teenage Girl To Increase Position in Violent Street Gang, Nine newly indicted on federal charges for crimes including drugs and illegal firearms possession, Nine Federally Charged, Arrested In Middle GA Drug Trafficking Investigation. If you are facing drug trafficking charges, a felony lawyer is a wise choice to ensure you receive no more than the mandatory minimum sentences in sentencing court or your case is dismissed. Official websites use .govA .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. A criminal defense lawyer will have the opportunity to cross-examine the arresting or searching officer, call any witnesses of his own, and tender evidence into the record for the courts consideration. 2022 by The Church Law Firm LLC. This guide covers the basics of these laws and the penalties if someone violates them. The drugs were hidden in such items as childrens backpacks and baby-formula bottles. Final Defendant Sentenced in Gang-Related South Georgia Meth-Trafficking Conspiracy Drug Enforcement Administration Robert J. Murphy, Jr. Special Agent in Charge Atlanta @DEAAtlantaDiv January 05, 2023 Contact: SA Crystal Harper Phone Number: (571) 362-3433 For Immediate Release to be charged with drug trafficking. Trafficking methamphetamine can also have serious consequences and penalties. All rights reserved. If the search was conducted pursuant to a warrant, there are three primary ways to attack the lawfulness of the search. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Another defense, and this is a little more complicated, is that the person may be involved in the drug business, but its a different conspiracy than the one the government has charged him with in the indictment. Situations often arise where a driver of an automobile is taken into custody for a traffic infraction such as driving with a suspended license or DUI. On the way back from purchasing heroin from Duffy on February 20, 2019, Summerfords van was stopped and the heroin was seized. A drug crimes attorney can help explain your options and offer advocacy and representation when you have been charged with being involved in a drug operation. Under the law, there are two types of possession. 16-13-31(c), if a person possesses, grows, brings into the state more than 10 pounds of marijuana, it is considered trafficking. The charge carries upon conviction a penalty of up to life in prison. 2022 by The Church Law Firm LLC. 16-13-31(b). Macon, Georgia 31202-1702, Macon: 478-752-3511 Our lawyers are licensed to practice in all state and federal courts in Georgia. It's free to sign up and bid on jobs. We will contact you as soon as possible if we are able to help. Look no further then Page Pate and Jess Johnson if you want the best trial lawyers to represent you! In general, drug trafficking is defined as manufacturing, transporting, selling, or having an illegal substance in more significant quantities than would typically be needed for use alone. Watch thisvideo. There are several viable defenses available to a person charged with drug possession. Extra to the new charges against these suspected child rapists who frequently hashtagged their social media posts #gayfamily," there are now indications they may have trafficked the young boys to fellow pedophiles. 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