Henry County Marijuana Grow House Operators Indicted; 10 Charged on Related Drug Trafficking and Firearms Crimes

The United States Attorney’s Office, along with the David G. Wilhelm Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) Strike Force and the Henry County Police Department announce today (April 8) that 10 individuals have been indicted for alleged drug trafficking and firearms-related crimes stemming from their operation of marijuana grow houses in Henry County. This week, nine of the 10 defendants were arrested and arraigned in United States Magistrate Court for the Northern District of Georgia.

United States Attorney Sally Quillian Yates said of the case, “Through the David G. Wilhelm OCDETF Strike Force, the U.S. Attorney’s office works with local and state law enforcement agencies to target drug trafficking organizations that impact us locally and regionally. The federal prosecution of this organization for this conspiracy has a direct impact on the local community in Henry County, and regionally in the Northern District of Georgia, by making us all safer through the removal of dangerous grow houses from the community, and by having fewer drugs and guns on the streets.”

Rodney G. Benson, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division said, “The mission of DEA is unwavering—we combat drug trafficking organizations by investigating those who criminally distribute dangerous drugs which cause immeasurable damage to our communities. Today’s enforcement activity is a perfect example of the law enforcement community working together to remove violent criminals from our streets.”

Henry County Police Chief Keith Nichols said, “I appreciate the hard work and dedication that our narcotics unit put into working this case. These indoor grows are a relatively new problem here in Henry County and we are becoming more familiar in working these types of cases. Getting these individuals out of our community is a huge benefit to our law abiding citizens, and I know they appreciate it too. I would also like to thank the federal law enforcement authorities that assisted us with this case, helping bring it to a successful resolution.”

According to United States Attorney Yates, the charges, and other information presented in court: In the fall of 2010, federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies began investigating a marijuana grow house organization operating in Henry County and elsewhere. The organization allegedly coordinated the construction of hydroponic marijuana grow houses at four separate locations. Several members of the organization possessed firearms in support of the illegal narcotics trafficking activities. As part of the investigation, in November and December 2010, agents searched four separate marijuana grow house operations in Henry County that were constructed in residential homes with independent grow lighting, irrigation and nutrient systems designed to cultivate and grow marijuana plants for distribution. Agents also searched several of the residences of the defendants. Investigators found that three of the houses had been set up specifically as grow houses, and not to house residents. Those houses were located in Stockbridge, Georgia, at 925 Hemphill Road; 1680 Jodeco Road; and, 436 Hood Road. A fourth house, located at 166 Alexander Drive in McDonough, Georgia, was used as both a residence and a grow house. Items seized during the investigation include 340 plants of marijuana, 52 guns, at least 50 grams of methamphetamine, and over $384,000 in cash.

In March 2011, a federal grand jury returned a four-count indictment related to this grow house operation, which was unsealed on April 5, 2011, after the arrests. The indictment charges the defendants with various criminal offenses including conspiring to manufacture, distribute, and possess with intent to distribute over 100 plants of marijuana; substantive drug trafficking charges; and possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes. Those arrested include:

* JOSHUA MCCULLOUGH, 37, of Stockbridge, Georgia;
* JIMMY RAY WHORTON, 56, of Stockbridge, Georgia;
* SANDRA WHORTON, 49, of Stockbridge, Georgia;
* JAMES MCKENZIE, 29, of McDonough, Georgia;
* KARRY AUTRY, 30, of McDonough, Georgia;
* HOLLY AUTRY, a/k/a “Holly Fritzius,” 27, of McDonough, Georgia;
* BRAIN PREWITT, 33, of Griffin, Georgia;
* PAUL BUNCH, 36, of Stockbridge, Georgia; and
* IRA BUTLER, 46, of Stockbridge, Georgia.

JOSEPH TILLMAN, 41, of Griffin, Georgia, remains at large. Members of the public are reminded that the indictment contains only allegations. A defendant is presumed innocent of the charges and it will be the government’s burden to prove a defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.

The investigation and prosecution of this case is a coordinated effort with the Henry County Police Department and the David G. Wilhelm OCDETF Strike Force, which is comprised of Special Agents of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI); the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI); the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); the United States Marshal Service (USMS); and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), working with other state and local law enforcement agencies.

Special Assistant United States Attorney Michael Smith and Assistant United States Attorney Michael Brown are prosecuting the case.

-----
Community News You Can Use
Click to read MORE news:
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
Twitter: @gafrontpage & @TheGATable @HookedonHistory
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
Twitter: @artsacrossga, @softnblue, @RimbomboAAG @FayetteFP

Operation Spider Web Snags Cocaine, Meth, and Weapons; Fifteen Indicted on Related Drug Trafficking and Firearms Crimes

In the past 24 hours, federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), have concluded search and arrest actions in Cobb County and today (January 20), with the United States Attorney’s Office, announce that 15 individuals have been indicted for alleged drug trafficking and firearms-related crimes stemming from the large-scale investigation, code-named Operation Spider Web.

United States Attorney Sally Quillian Yates said of the takedown and the case, “The U.S. Attorney's office targets the largest drug trafficking organizations in the district, so that we can reduce the drug trafficking and violence not only in the state of Georgia but the other parts of the country that these organizations touch. Operation Spider Web involves 15 defendants who are alleged to have distributed cocaine, methamphetamine, and marijuana using tire stores as fronts, and tires as drug packaging. The takedown of this case has a direct impact on the community to make Atlanta safer, with less drugs and fewer guns on the streets.”

“Georgia residents can sleep better tonight knowing that an organized criminal ring has been hit,” said Brock Nicholson, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the ICE Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Office overseeing Georgia and the Carolinas. “This case demonstrates yet again how law enforcement in Atlanta is committed to working together to disrupt and dismantle criminal networks.”

Rodney G. Benson, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division said, “DEA and its law enforcement counterparts orchestrated a well-planned and coordinated assault against a high-level, poly-drug distribution network. Because of the unified effort between DEA and its law enforcement counterparts, this organization will no longer be able to wreak havoc on our community.”

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Special Agent in Charge, Gregory K. Gant said, “The mission of ATF is unwavering—we fight violent crime by investigating and prosecuting those who criminally use firearms that cause immeasurable damage to our communities. Today's enforcement activity is a perfect example of the law enforcement community working together to remove these violent criminals from its streets.”

Cobb County Sheriff Neil Warren, on behalf of the Marietta-Cobb-Smyrna Organized Crime Intelligence Task Force (MCS), said, “We often work in conjunction with other local, state and federal agencies in order to maximize our resources in combating illegal activity in our community. These cooperative efforts, especially in the metro area, are especially effective in letting the criminal element know we are all serious about protecting and serving the citizens in our jurisdictions. Job well done.”

According to United States Attorney Yates, the charges, and other information presented in court: In May 2009, federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies began investigating a drug trafficking organization operating in the metro-Atlanta area and elsewhere. The organization allegedly coordinated the receipt and distribution of cocaine, methamphetamine, and marijuana throughout Atlanta and elsewhere, using firearms in furtherance of its illegal activities. The indictment alleges that members of the organization hid, transported, and stored illegal drugs and drug money inside of tires that were then either placed on or inside drug delivery vehicles.

As part of today's takedown, agents searched two tires shops, “Alex Tires and Rims” in Marietta, Georgia, and “Emmy Tires” in Griffin, Georgia. Both tire shops were allegedly operated by SANTIAGO VILLANUEVA PINEDA. Agents also executed three search warrants, including at the tire businesses used by the criminal organization as fronts for its illegal activities. Today’s takedown ensnared 13 defendants, with the arrest of eight additional individuals on state drug charges or for immigration offenses. Items seized during the takedown included 22 guns, several kilograms of cocaine and methamphetamine, a meth lab, over $30,000 in cash, and several vehicles. Those seizures supplement the approximately $1,000,000, 75 kilograms of cocaine, over 11 pounds of methamphetamine, 16 firearms, and two grenade hulls already seized in the investigation.

Earlier this week, a federal grand jury returned a 10-count indictment related to “Operation Spider Web,” which was unsealed today with the arrests. The indictment charges the defendants with various criminal offenses including conspiring to traffic over five kilograms of cocaine, over 100 kilograms of marijuana, and over 500 grams of methamphetamine; substantive drug trafficking charges; and possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes:

SANTIAGO VILLANUEVA PINEDA, a/k/a “Alex,” 36, of Marietta, Georgia;
RAMIRO ALVARADO GONZALEZ, a/k/a “Mori,” a/k/a “Moreno,” 25, of Marietta, Georgia;
JAMES TORRES, a/k/a “El Gordo,” 28, of Marietta, Georgia;
TARSICIO BRAVO-CARBAJAL, a/k/a “Chicho,” a/k/a “Chucho,” 53, of Marietta, Georgia;
BERNALDO MOLINA-CARDENAS, a/k/a “Berna,” 49, of Marietta, Georgia;
ELEAZAR AGUIRRE RIVERA, 27, of Cartersville, Georgia;
JUVENTINO BAZA, 43, of Marietta, Georgia;
PABLO GARCIA, a/k/a “Enrique Farias,” 34, of Cartersville, Georgia;
WILBER AVALOS PEREZ, 36, of Smyrna, Georgia;
JOSE CARLOS SOTO-PINEDA, a/k/a “Pedro Mendoza,” 29, of Sandy Springs, Georgia;
JOSE PATINO-CHAVEZ, a/k/a “Markos Jaimes,” 38, of Marietta, Georgia;
ISAIAS MONDRAGON, a/k/a “Fat Boy,” 30, of Powder Springs, Georgia;
NARCISO FLORES-ORTIZ, a/k/a “Chicho,” 33, of Smyrna, Georgia;
GREGORY EARL HARRISON, 40, of Marietta, Georgia; and
CHADWICK HUDSPETH, 41, of Atlanta, Georgia.

Members of the public are reminded that the indictment contains only allegations. A defendant is presumed innocent of the charges and it will be the government’s burden to prove a defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.

The investigation and prosecution of this case is a coordinated effort through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force, which is comprised of special agents of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI); the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI); the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); and the Marietta-Cobb-Smyrna Organized Crime Intelligence Task Force (MCS), which is comprised of officers from Cobb County Sheriff's Office, Cobb County Police Department, Marietta Police Department, Smyrna Police Department, Kennesaw Police Department, Acworth Police Department, and Powder Springs Police Department, along with the Cobb County District Attorney's Office.

-----
Community News You Can Use
Click to read MORE news:
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
Twitter: @gafrontpage & @TheGATable @HookedonHistory
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
Twitter: @artsacrossga, @softnblue, @RimbomboAAG @FayetteFP

Former Atlanta Police Officer Sentenced to 12 Years for Corruption and Drug Trafficking

LUCIUS T. SOLOMON, III, 32, of Atlanta, formerly an officer with the Atlanta Police Department, was sentenced to prison December 16 by United States District Judge Richard W. Story on corruption and drug charges.

United States Attorney Sally Quillian Yates said, “This police officer took an oath to protect the public from criminals. Instead, he protected the criminals from law enforcement. Now he is headed to federal prison.”

Brian D. Lamkin, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Atlanta Office, said, “Public corruption investigations are a high priority at the FBI given that the potential for damage and discredit to law enforcement is very high. While these corruption cases are a serious breach of the public trust, it should be noted that the vast majority of those working within law enforcement fully understand their oaths and reflect often on their commitment to public service.”

Atlanta Police Chief George Turner said, “The public simply must have confidence in its police officers. While I believe this incident is not indicative of the vast majority of hardworking, honest and dedicated officers out there on the streets of Atlanta day in and day out, today’s sentence sends a strong message to those who would stray from their mission to uphold and enforce the law.”

SOLOMON was sentenced to 12 years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release. SOLOMON was also ordered to perform 200 hours of community service. He pled guilty to the charges on September 2, 2010.

According to United States Attorney Yates, the charges and other information presented in court: On three occasions in 2009 and 2010, SOLOMON provided protection for what he believed to be multi-kilogram cocaine deals. For each deal, SOLOMON agreed to protect the people he thought were drug dealers in exchange for $2,000. On two of those occasions, SOLOMON was on duty, in uniform, and in his marked police vehicle when he provided the protection. SOLOMON’s participation in each of these three drug transactions forms the basis for both the corruption and the drug charges.

This case was investigated by Special Agents of the FBI and Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation and the Atlanta Police Department.

-----
Community News You Can Use
Click to read MORE news:
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
Twitter: @gafrontpage & @TheGATable @HookedonHistory
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
Twitter: @artsacrossga, @softnblue, @RimbomboAAG
www.FayetteFrontPage.com
Twitter: @FayetteFP

Two Dalton Meth Dealers Sent to Federal Prison

RICHIE WILLIS, 23, of Dalton, Georgia, was sentenced October 28 by United States Senior District Judge Robert L. Vining, Jr., on charges of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and possessing a firearm in relation to a drug trafficking crime. Two other defendants have been charged in relation to the conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in Northwest Georgia.

“These defendants were involved in distributing methamphetamine, a highly addictive and dangerous drug, and they are rightfully going to prison,” said United States Attorney Sally Quillian Yates. “Drugs and guns are a particularly dangerous combination, so defendant Willis received a longer sentence.”

WILLIS was sentenced to 10 years in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release. On October 7, 2010, co-defendant DEBORAH McCULLOUGH, 42, of Cedartown, Georgia was sentenced to five years and eight months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release on charges of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. WILLIS and McCULLOUGH pleaded guilty to the charges on July 13, 2010.

Co-defendant ANGEL LOPEZ, also known as “Bobby Moss,” 23, of Dalton, Georgia, pleaded guilty on October 26, 2010, to charges of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, and is awaiting sentencing.

The defendants were indicted on multiple drug-related counts on February 9, 2010. LOPEZ, WILLIS, and McCULLOUGH were indicted on one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. LOPEZ and WILLIS were also indicted on one count of possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine. In addition, WILLIS was indicted on one count of possessing a firearm in relation to a drug trafficking offense.

According to United States Attorney Yates, the charges and other information presented in court: In late July 2009, a source informed Special Agents of the FBI that DEBORAH McCULLOUGH was selling methamphetamine in the Dalton, Georgia, area. Over the next several months, the FBI, through the source, made controlled purchases of methamphetamine from McCULLOUGH.

In November 2009, the agents approached McCULLOUGH and informed her of their investigation of her drug trafficking activities. McCULLOUGH agreed to cooperate and identified RICHIE WILLIS as her supplier. McCULLOUGH also made several controlled purchases of methamphetamine from WILLIS totaling almost half a pound of methamphetamine. On December 4, 2009, as WILLIS was driving to meet McCULLOUGH for another drug deal, the police stopped WILLIS’s car. WILLIS had two ounces of methamphetamine hidden in his clothing, and a loaded handgun in the center console of his car. After WILLIS was arrested, the agents executed a search warrant on his apartment in Dalton, where they found one and a half pounds of methamphetamine, multiple firearms, and almost $14,000 in cash. WILLIS cooperated with law enforcement officers following his arrest, and identified ANGEL LOPEZ, also known as “Bobby Moss,” as his sole supplier of methamphetamine. LOPEZ, through WILLIS, McCULLOUGH, and other drug dealers, has been accused of distributing dozens of pounds of methamphetamine in the Dalton area over the last three years, and has been charged in related state cases.

LOPEZ is scheduled to be sentenced on January 6, 2011, before United States Senior District Judge Robert L. Vining. LOPEZ could receive a maximum sentence of life in prison and a fine of up to $4,000,000. In determining the actual sentence, the Court will consider the United States Sentencing Guidelines, which are not binding but provide appropriate sentencing ranges for most offenders.

The U.S. Attorney's Office in Atlanta recommends parents and children learn about the dangers of drugs at the following website: www.justthinktwice.com.

This case was investigated by special agents of the FBI and the FBI’s Safe Street Task Force.

-----
Community News You Can Use
Click to read MORE news:
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
Twitter: @gafrontpage & @TheGATable @HookedonHistory
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
Twitter: @artsacrossga, @softnblue, @RimbomboAAG
www.FayetteFrontPage.com
Twitter: @FayetteFP

Former Atlanta Police Officer Pleads Guilty to Public Corruption and Drug Trafficking Charges

LUCIUS T. SOLOMON, III, 31, of Atlanta, formerly an officer with the Atlanta Police Department, pleaded guilty yesterday in federal district court to corruption and drug charges.

United States Attorney Sally Quillian Yates said, “Instead of protecting and serving the people of this community from the scourge of the illegal drug trade, this former police officer took money to protect the very drug dealers he had sworn to pursue and arrest. There is no greater breach of a police officer’s oath than to actively participate in criminal conduct that so powerfully harms the community.”

Brian D. Lamkin, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Atlanta Office, stated, “Public corruption investigations are a high priority at the FBI given that the potential for damage and discredit to law enforcement is very high. While these corruption cases are a serious breach of the public trust, it should be noted that the vast majority of those working within law enforcement fully understand their oaths and reflect often on their commitment to public service.”

Atlanta Police Chief George Turner added, “The public simply must have confidence in its police officers. While I believe this incident is not indicative of the vast majority of hardworking, honest and dedicated officers out there on the streets of Atlanta day in and day out—it does send a strong message to those who would stray from their mission to uphold and enforce the law.”

According to United States Attorney Yates, the charges and other information presented in court: On three occasions in 2009 and 2010, SOLOMON provided protection for what he believed to be multi-kilogram cocaine deals. For each deal, SOLOMON agreed to protect the people he thought were drug dealers in exchange for $2,000. On two of those occasions, SOLOMON was on duty, in uniform, and in his marked police vehicle when he provided the protection. SOLOMON’s participation in each of these three drug transactions forms the basis for both the corruption and the drug charges.

SOLOMON was indicted in March 2010; he pleaded guilty today to corruption and drug offenses and could receive a maximum of 20 years in prison on the corruption charge, and a maximum of life imprisonment on the drug charge. SOLOMON faces fines of up to $4,250,000. In determining the actual sentence, the court will consider the United States Sentencing Guidelines, which are not binding but provide appropriate sentencing ranges for most offenders.

Sentencing is scheduled for November 9, 2010, at 9:30 a.m., before United States District Judge Richard W. Story.

This case is being investigated by special agents of the FBI and Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations Division and the Atlanta Police Department.

Assistant United States Attorneys Jeffrey Brown, Elizabeth Hathaway, and Zahra Karinshak are prosecuting the case.

The U.S. Attorney's Office in Atlanta recommends parents and children learn about the dangers of drugs at the following website: www.justthinktwice.com.

-----
Community News You Can Use
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
Follow us on Twitter:  @GAFrontPage

Georgia Man Sentenced to Prison for His Role in a Three-Year Drug Conspiracy

A Georgia resident was sentenced today for his role in a three-year drug conspiracy. Thomaas “30” Redding, 21, of Macon, Georgia, was sentenced to 69 months in prison. Redding previously pleaded guilty in April 2010, admitting he conspired with other dealers to distribute five grams or more of cocaine base in and around the Huntington, West Virginia area. A federal investigation revealed that from 2006 through 2009, Redding and several others participated in a drug conspiracy responsible for distributing quantities of crack cocaine. According to court documents, during this time Redding sold cocaine base and shared in profits made by the conspiracy.

The investigation was conducted by the Huntington Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, Huntington Police Department, West Virginia State Police, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Lawrence County (Ohio) Drug Task Force, Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation, Cabell County Sheriff’s Department, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the proceedings.

-----
Community News You Can Use
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
Follow us on Twitter:  @GAFrontPage

Four Sentenced to Lengthy Prison Terms for Their Roles in Drug Trafficking Ring

Brian Christopher HARRIS, 28, of Augusta; Marsignor Cornelius WHITE, 26, of Augusta; Derrick D. KING, 32, of Millegeville, Georgia; and Jaimere PROSSER, 27, of Newark, New Jersey, were sentenced this week by United States District Judge J. Randal Hall to serve prison terms of 14 years or more in federal prison on charges of drug trafficking.

United States Attorney Edward J. Tarver said, “These defendants directly participated in the distribution of significant quantities of cocaine throughout the Augusta area. These sentences demonstrate that those who distribute cocaine and other dangerous drugs in our communities will serve long prison sentences.”

HARRIS was sentenced to more than 14 years (175 months) in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release. WHITE was sentenced to more than 15 years (188 months) in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release. KING was sentenced to more than 18 years (220 months) in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release. PROSSER was sentenced to 25 years (300 months) in prison to be followed by eight years of supervised release.

United States Attorney Tarver noted that these sentences relate to a 14-month federal investigation of a cocaine trafficking ring in the East Augusta area including Augusta’s Dogwood Terrace Public Housing Community. During the investigation, government agents seized significant quantities of crack and powder cocaine, nine firearms and over $55,000 cash. The investigation was conducted by the FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force which consists of officers and agents from the FBI, the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office, the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, the GBI, and the Georgia State Board of Pardons and Paroles. ATF, DEA and the United States Marshal’s Service also participated in the investigation.

Other defendants who pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing include: Reginald Darrell BEALE, 28, of Hephzibah, Georgia; Latria Grenise SMITH, 26, of Hephzibah; Mark JONES, 52, of Augusta; Sylvester Ruben LEWIS, 33, of Augusta; and Sequoyah ELAM, 28, of Lincolnton, Georgia.

-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
Follow us on Twitter:  @GAFrontPage

Fulton County Deputy Sheriff Indicted on Corruption, Drug, and Firearm Offenses

ANTHONY C. ATWATER, 32, of Atlanta, Georgia, a deputy with the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office, has been indicted by a federal grand jury on corruption, drug, and firearm offenses. ATWATER is scheduled to make his initial appearance before United States Magistrate Judge Russell G. Vineyard at 1:30 p.m. this afternoon.

United States Attorney Sally Quillian Yates said, “In exchange for cash payments, this deputy sheriff allegedly provided protection for drug deals. He chose to protect suspected drug dealers rather than protect the public. This office and our law enforcement partners will continue to investigate and prosecute corrupt public officials at all levels of government who abuse their positions to line their own pockets.”

FBI Atlanta Acting Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey C. Mazanec said, “It is paramount that the public maintain the highest level of trust in the law enforcement officers charged with protecting the citizens of Fulton County. These charges serve as a reminder that nobody is above the law, and that the FBI is committed to work with all parts of the law enforcement community to prevent the erosion of public trust that accompany such incidents.”

Fulton County Sheriff Ted Jackson said, “When an officer who has taken the oath to serve and protect violates the law, it tarnishes and damages the reputations of those who are committed to doing the right thing. The Fulton County Sheriff's Office has been aware of this investigation since January and has cooperated fully with the FBI and will continue to do so. This deputy was arrested by the FBI, during roll call this morning, sending a message that criminal behavior of any type will not be tolerated. This does not reflect on the many men and women who put their lives on the line for public safety on a daily basis.”

According to United States Attorney Yates, the indictment and evidence presented in court: Between January and March 2010, ATWATER, in exchange for $4,000 in cash payoffs, used his position as a sheriff's deputy to provide armed protection for alleged drug dealers. The indictment alleges that on two separate occasions, January 23, 2010, and March 12, 2010, ATWATER attempted to aid and abet drug deals involving cocaine. In each instance, he knowingly possessed a firearm in furtherance of the drug trafficking crime.

Members of the public are reminded that the indictment contains only allegations. A defendant is presumed innocent of the charges and it will be the government's burden to prove a defendant's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.

This case is being investigated by special agents of the FBI and the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation.

-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
Follow us on Twitter:  @GAFrontPage

More Than 300 Alleged La Familia Cartel Members and Associates Arrested in Two-Day Nationwide Takedown

Today Attorney General Eric Holder announced the arrest of nearly 1,200 individuals on narcotics-related charges and the seizure of more than 11.7 tons of narcotics as part of a 44-month multi-agency law enforcement investigation known as “Project Coronado.” The Attorney General was joined in announcing the current results of Project Coronado by DEA Acting Administrator Michele M. Leonhart, FBI Director Robert S. Mueller III and ATF Acting Director Kenneth E. Melson.

Over the past two days, 303 individuals in 19 states were arrested as part of Project Coronado, which targeted the distribution network of a major Mexican drug trafficking organization known as La Familia, through coordination between federal, state and local law enforcement. More than 3,000 agents and officers operated across the United States to make the arrests during the two-day takedown. During the two-day operation alone, $3.4 million in U.S. currency, 729 pounds of methamphetamine, 62 kilograms of cocaine, 967 pounds of marijuana, 144 weapons and 109 vehicles were seized by law enforcement agents.

“This unprecedented, coordinated U.S. law enforcement action—the largest ever undertaken against a Mexican drug cartel—has dealt a significant blow to La Familia’s supply chain of illegal drugs, weapons and cash flowing between Mexico and the United States,” said Attorney General Holder. “We will not allow these cartels to operate unfettered in our country, and with the increases in cooperation between U.S. and Mexican authorities in recent years, we are taking the fight to our adversaries. We will continue to stand strong with our partners in Mexico as we work to disrupt and dismantle cartel operations on both sides of the border.”

The La Familia cartel is a violent drug trafficking cartel based in the state of Michoacán, in southwestern Mexico. According to court documents, La Familia controls drug manufacturing and distribution in and around Michoacán, including the importation of vast quantities of cocaine and methamphetamine from Mexico into the United States. La Familia is philosophically opposed to the sale of methamphetamine to Mexicans, and instead supports its export to the United States for consumption by Americans. La Familia is a heavily armed cartel that has utilized violence to support its narcotics trafficking business including murders, kidnappings and assaults. According to one indictment unsealed in the Southern District of New York, associates of La Familia based in the United States have allegedly acquired military-grade weapons, including assault weapons and ammunition, and have arranged for them to be smuggled back into Mexico for use by La Familia. In a criminal complaint filed in Dallas, ATF investigators allege that operatives of La Familia shipped hundreds of firearms from the U.S. to Mexico over a 12-month period ending in October 2009. Individuals indicted in the cases are charged with a variety of crimes, including: conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, cocaine and marijuana; distribution of methamphetamine, cocaine and marijuana; conspiracy to import narcotics into the United States; money laundering; and other violations of federal law. Numerous defendants face forfeiture allegations as well.

To date, Project Coronado has led to the arrest of 1,186 individuals and the seizure of approximately $32.8 million in U.S. currency, and approximately 2,710 pounds of methamphetamine, 1,999 kilograms of cocaine, 29 pounds of heroin, 16,390 pounds of marijuana, 389 weapons and 269 vehicles.

“Project Coronado, our massive assault on the La Familia Cartel, is part of our continued fight against all of the powerful Mexico-based drug cartels,” said DEA Acting Administrator Michele M. Leonhart. “This organization, the newest of Mexican cartels, is directly responsible for a vast majority of the methamphetamine pouring into our country across our Southwest Border, and has had a hand in fueling the cycle of violence that is wracking Mexico today. DEA, along with our U.S. and Mexican partners, are committed to strategically attacking the international and domestic drug trade with every tool at our disposal, and defeating those that thrive on the suffering of others.”

“Multi-agency coordinated investigations such as Project Coronado are the key to disrupting the operations of complex criminal organizations like La Familia. Together—with the strong collaboration of our international, federal, state and local partners—we have dealt a substantial blow to a group that has polluted our neighborhoods with illicit drugs and has terrorized Mexico with unimaginable violence,” said Director Mueller.

“ATF’s arrest of defendants in Project Coronado highlight the almost inseparable link between illegal trafficking of firearms and narcotics between the U.S. and Mexico,” said ATF Acting Director Kenneth Melson. “ATF is on the frontline against violent crime and focuses its investigative tools on criminal groups such as La Familia, which use firearms to further their illegal trade and ruin and endanger countless lives. It is alleged that La Familia used proceeds from the sale of drugs to purchase or obtain hundreds of firearms that were then moved illicitly to Mexico.”

“The operation to dismantle the La Familia drug trafficking organization in the United States demonstrates an unprecedented level of partnership and coordination at the local, state and federal levels. We at ICE are proud to have played an important role in yesterday’s operation and look forward to continuing to work with our law enforcement partners to target these criminal organizations,” said Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Assistant Secretary John Morton.

Arrests were made or charges have been unsealed yesterday and today related to Project Coronado in the following districts: Central District of California, Southern District of California, District of Colorado, Northern District of Georgia, District of Massachusetts, District of Minnesota, Southern District of Mississippi, Eastern District of Missouri, Northern District of Oklahoma, Southern District of New York, Northern District of New York, Middle District of North Carolina, District of South Carolina, Middle District of Tennessee, Eastern District of Texas, Northern District of Texas, Western District of Texas and the Western District of Washington. There were also arrests by state authorities in California, Nevada, North Carolina and Georgia. Assistance for Project Coronado was provided by the Criminal Division’s Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section and Office of International Affairs. Additionally, local prosecutions will occur in San Diego, San Bernardino, Los Angeles and Orange County, Calif.; Clark County, Nev.; Gwinnett County, Ga.; and Pitt County, N.C.

The investigative efforts in Project Coronado were coordinated by the multi-agency Special Operations Division, comprised of agents and analysts from the DEA, FBI, ICE, Internal Revenue Service, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Marshals Service and ATF, as well as attorneys from the Criminal Division’s Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section. More than 300 federal, state, local and foreign law enforcement agencies contributed investigative and prosecutorial resources to Project Coronado through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces.

-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page

Northwest Georgia and Tennessee Drug Distributors Sentenced to Federal Prison‏

JOSE HERNANDEZ, 40, originally from Mexico, VANCE ROGERS, 50, of Old Fort, Tennessee, and PAUL FAULKNER, 83, of Summerville, Georgia, were sentenced today as the last defendants in a large group now sentenced to federal prison for their roles in importing and distributing drugs in the North Georgia area, including Chattooga, Whitfield, Floyd, Gordon, and Murray Counties, as well as Polk County, Tennessee.

United States Attorney David E. Nahmias said of the case, “The arrest and prosecution of these traffickers has significantly disrupted the flow of illegal drugs in Northwest Georgia. They were responsible for much of the marijuana being distributed in Chattooga County and surrounding areas, as well as a significant quantity of cocaine and methamphetamine. The lengthy sentences imposed should signal to others considering this path, or already on this path, that such criminal conduct ultimately leads to a prison cell.”

Rodney G. Benson, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division said of the sentencings, “This organization's marijuana trafficking activities posed a significant threat to the quality of life in rural North Georgia and in Polk County, Tennessee. These individuals will spend well-deserved time in prison and the communities that they impacted are much safer. I commend our local law enforcement counterparts who played a crucial role in the success of this investigation.”

IRS-Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge Reginael McDaniel said, “Narcotics trafficking generates huge amounts of currency that must be concealed using elaborate money laundering schemes and other sophisticated means. Following the money trail takes us to the leaders of the narcotics organizations. Leaders of drug trafficking organizations often don't touch the drugs, but they always touch the money.”

GBI Director Vernon Keenan said, “Cases such as these cannot be effectively investigated without the cooperation of local, state and federal agencies working together to improve the quality of life for Georgians impacted by these poly-drug organizations. Today's marijuana distributor may be tomorrow's methamphetamine manufacturer. Whether it's in northeast Georgia or southwest Georgia, success in investigating these types of cases requires a highly skilled work force, a cooperative spirit and a common goal to seek the truth.”

HERNANDEZ was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison to be followed by 10 years of supervised release. ROGERS was sentenced to 3 years and 10 months in federal prison to be followed by 3 years of supervised release. FAULKNER was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison to be followed by 10 years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

According to United States Attorney Nahmias and the information in court: The Drug Enforcement Administration, Georgia Bureau of Investigation, and the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation began investigating this drug trafficking organization in 2005, initially focusing on members of a local family who reportedly had been distributing marijuana in Chattooga County and the surrounding areas for nearly two decades. The investigation ultimately determined that those family members, including PAUL FAULKNER, his son, MICHAEL SMITH, and his grandson, JAMES FAULKNER, had distributed hundreds of kilograms of marijuana during that time, and had accumulated numerous assets with the drug sales proceeds, including nearly 40 properties with a total value of more than $1 million.

MICHAEL SMITH, the primary marijuana distributor, took elaborate steps to avoid detection by law enforcement. SMITH resided on an isolated, multi-acre property where he could observe law enforcement approaching. He buried marijuana in ammunition cans scattered on his property, which customers would unearth and replace with money. SMITH communicated with his customers by use of a pager system.

As the investigation expanded, law enforcement learned that the family was being supplied by a group having ties to Mexico. This group, headed by convicted co-conspirator GERONIMO GASTELUM, moved to North Georgia from California in approximately 2005, and began to supply multi-kilogram quantities of drugs in the area, including methamphetamine, cocaine, and marijuana. The drugs were brought to North Georgia from California, Arizona, and Texas by various means, including tractor trailer. The drug organization hired individuals to pick up drugs in vehicles equipped with tires packed with marijuana. GASTELUM and several of his co-conspirators have ties to Mexico, which is believed to be the ultimate source of the drugs imported and where much of the cash proceeds were returned.

Law enforcement ultimately arrested 10 members of the organization. All pleaded guilty to drug distribution and money-laundering charges. The defendants previously sentenced in the case received the following sentences:

* GERONIMO GASTELUM, 34, of Kerman, California was sentenced to 14 years in federal prison;
* MICHAEL SMITH, 46, of Summerville, Georgia, was sentenced to 9 years in federal prison, and, agreed to forfeit the properties that he had purchased with drug proceeds;
* RUSSELL BRONSON, 51, of Endicott, New York, was sentenced to 7 years, 3 months in federal prison;
* BILL ALAN GARRETT, 52, of Tennga, Georgia, was sentenced to 4 years, 3 months in federal prison;
* JESUS MENDEZ, 23, of Smithfield, North Carolina, was sentenced to 6 years, 3 months in federal prison;
* MICHAEL WALLIN, 39, of LaFayette, Georgia, was sentenced to 4 years in federal prison; and
* JAMES FAULKNER, 36, of Summerville, Georgia, was sentenced to 9 years, 9 months in federal prison.

All of those prison terms will be followed by 3 years of supervised release.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and IRS-Criminal Investigation. Substantial assistance was provided by the Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit Drug Task Force, the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office, and the Murray County Sheriff’s Office.

Assistant United States Attorneys Todd Alley and Scott Hulsey prosecuted the case.

-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page

Black Mafia Family Sentencing

A federal judge has sentenced 10 of the 16 defendants indicted for their participation in the cocaine distribution activities of the “Black Mafia Family” (BMF), a violent drug gang that has been the focus of federal prosecution in Atlanta, Detroit, Los Angeles, Louisville, Orlando, and elsewhere.

United States Attorney David E. Nahmias said, “These sentencings help bring to a close the Justice Department’s successful dismantling of the Black Mafia Family, a coast-to-coast drug empire once so brash and powerful that it purchased freeway billboards proclaiming that the world was theirs. Their ‘world’ – one built on illegal drugs and gun violence – has crumbled, thanks to the hard work of many law enforcement agents and prosecutors. Now all that is left for the BMF criminals is prison time.”

SAC Rodney G. Benson of the DEA Atlanta Field Division said, “The government has successfully dismantled a violent and notorious drug trafficking organization. The Black Mafia Family wreaked havoc from coast to coast by distributing cocaine and leaving a destructive path of violence along the way without regard for public safety. Their bold image once propelled them into the media spotlight. Today they are again in the spotlight, this time for the right reason. These defendants are deserving of the sentences that were handed down today. Through the concerted efforts of our federal, state and local law enforcement counterparts, we were able to successfully investigate, prosecute and remove these violent criminals from the street.”

The defendants sentenced yesterday and today, and their terms of incarceration, are:

•DIONNE E. BEVERLY, 36, of Hurricane, West Virginia, 10 years in federal prison, to be followed by 5 years of supervised release;

•LAMAR K. FIELDS, 40, of Atlanta, 5 years, 10 months in federal prison to be followed by 5 years of supervised release;

•DERON HALL, 32, of St. Louis, Missouri, 7 years, 6 months in federal prison to be followed by 5 years of supervised release;

•VICTOR D. HAMMONDS, 44, of Conyers, Georgia, 4 years in federal prison to be followed by 5 years of supervised release;

•BARIMA P. McKNIGHT, 30, of Las Vegas, Nevada, 5 years, 4 months in federal prison to be followed by 5 years of supervised release;

•JAMAL S. MITCHELL, 39, of East Orange, New Jersey, 5 years, 3 months in federal prison to be followed by 5 years of supervised release;

•FRANKLIN D. NASH, 57, of Decatur, Georgia, 6 months to be served in a halfway house; •DERREK Q. PITTS, 34, of East Orange, New Jersey 16 years, 8 months in federal prison to be followed by 5 years of supervised release;

•BRYANT SHAW, 28, of Atlanta 10 years in federal prison to be followed by 5 years of supervised release; and

•DARRYL C. TAYLOR, 48, of Rex, Georgia, 7 years, 3 months in federal prison to be followed by 5 years of supervised release.

According to Nahmias, court records, and other publicly-available information: The defendants were members or associates of the Black Mafia Family, a nationwide gang that distributed thousands of kilograms of cocaine during 2002-2005. Federal authorities first struck a blow against the BMF in October 2005 with multi-defendant cocaine conspiracy indictments returned in Detroit, Louisville, and Orlando. Dozens of other defendants were subsequently arrested as a result of related BMF investigations in Los Angeles, St. Louis, and Greenville, South Carolina. In the Atlanta case, 16 defendants were indicted in July 2007. The lone Atlanta defendant who went to trial, FLEMING DANIELS, 36, of Roswell, Georgia, was convicted and is scheduled to be sentenced next month. One defendant in the case, VERNON M. COLEMAN a/k/a “Woo,” 32, of the Atlanta area, remains a fugitive.

At its peak during 2003-2004, the BMF was moving hundreds of kilograms of cocaine into Atlanta, Detroit, and other distribution hubs every month. The drugs would arrive in vehicles – often limousines – with secret compartments or “traps.” These same trap vehicles would then be filled with cash (the proceeds from drug sales) to be sent back to the Mexican sources of supply.

Along with these massive amounts of cocaine, the BMF brought violence to the streets of Atlanta. In one incident, Rashannibal Drummond, 23, was beaten, shot and killed in the parking lot of the Midtown club Velvet Room during the early morning hours of July 25, 2004. The murder was the culmination of a one-sided brawl that was alleged to have been precipitated when the unarmed Drummond slapped one of the BMF's prized luxury vehicles to alert its driver not to back over him. Defendant FLEMING DANIELS has been indicted in Fulton County for that murder.

DEMETRIUS FLENORY and much of the BMF fled Atlanta in late November 2004 after an expensive BMF drug stash house in northwest Atlanta was raided by Atlanta Police and DEA agents. Although no arrests occurred at the unoccupied house, officers discovered three firearms, fictitious identifications, BMF paraphernalia, and marijuana. They also confiscated two vehicles, including a 2003 Hummer H2 stretch limousine that was suspected to have been used by the BMF as a drug transport vehicle. A search of the limo produced no contraband; the vehicle was later forfeited and sold at public auction. Subsequently, agents received a tip that the Hummer limousine contained concealed compartments that had not been discovered during the previous search. In August 2008, agents re-located the limousine, which was then in the possession of its fourth innocent owner since its sale by the government in November 2005.

With federal search warrant in hand, agents again searched the limousine, finally discovering the compartments, or “traps,” and removing from them seven semi-automatic firearms and nearly $900,000 in cash, believed to be proceeds from one of the BMF's last major cocaine transactions.

DEMETRIUS FLENORY and his brother and co-leader of the BMF, TERRY LEE FLENORY, 38, were named in the cocaine and money laundering indictment issued in Detroit. Both were convicted and sentenced last month to 30-year prison terms.

This case was investigated by Special Agents from the Drug Enforcement Administration, assisted by the United States Marshals Service; the Internal Revenue Service; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Atlanta High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force; the Tennessee Department of Safety; the Atlanta Police Department; the DeKalb County Police Department; and the Henry County Police Department.

Assistant United States Attorneys Cassandra Schansman and Robert McBurney prosecuted the case.

The U.S. Attorney's Office in Atlanta recommends parents and children learn about the dangers of drugs at www.justthinktwice.com.

For further information please contact United States Attorney Nahmias, or Charysse L. Alexander, Executive Assistant United States Attorney, through Patrick Crosby, Public Affairs Officer, U.S. Attorney's Office, at (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the home page for the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Georgia is www.usdoj.gov/usao/gan.

-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page

Fayette County School System and Local Law Enforcement Offer Community Awareness Seminar

The Fayette County School System, local law enforcement agencies and District Attorney Scott Ballard have collaborated again this year to offer another series of Community Awareness Seminars at each of the county’s five high schools in October.

The free seminars offer participants an opportunity to learn more about safety and legal issues affecting Fayette’s students. Seminar topics will be lead by local law enforcement representatives with knowledge and experience in the areas.

Discussion topics include bullying and cyber-bullying presented by the Peachtree City Police Department, statutory rape presented by the City of Fayetteville Police Department and alcohol and drug awareness presented by the Fayette County Sheriff’s Department.

The seminars are from 7-8:30 p.m. and will be held on the following dates at these locations:

October 6, Starr’s Mill High

October 7, Sandy Creek High

October 9, Whitewater High

October 13, McIntosh High

October 21, Fayette County High

A question and answer session with the seminar panel will follow the presentations. Parents with students of all ages are welcome to attend any seminar location that is most convenient. No preregistration is required.

The purpose of the event is to help parents become better informed about serious issues affecting youth in Fayette County.

This marks the second time that local law enforcement personnel have partnered with the school system to offer Community Awareness Seminars. The first set of seminars were held in February and March and focused on gang awareness, Internet safety and interaction with law enforcement.

-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
Community News You Can Use
Fayetteville, Peachtree City, Tyrone
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page