U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia

09/04/2026

Final Defendants Convicted in Macon’s Operation Mobile Order Sentenced

Dozen Convicted in Armed Drug Ring; Kilos of Co***ne, 25 Guns, Machine Gun, Ballistic Vest Seized

MACON, Ga. – The final two defendants involved in an armed drug trafficking network affiliated with a criminal street gang were sentenced to federal prison because of Operation Mobile Order, an investigation led by the FBI and the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office, which resulted in the seizure of dozens of fi****ms, including a machine gun.

“This heavily armed drug trafficking organization was a major threat in Macon, and our region is now safer because every member has been brought to justice,” said U.S. Attorney William R. “Will” Keyes. “Targeting dangerous criminal organizations like those dismantled in Operation Mobile Order remains a top priority for our office and law enforcement partners at every level. These offenders have been held accountable for the harm they caused to our community.”

“Operation Mobile Order dismantled a violent drug trafficking organization that treated a Macon neighborhood like a retail storefront for co***ne, backed by an arsenal of fi****ms,” said Robert Gibbs, Supervisory Senior Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta’s Macon office. “This investigation shows the FBI’s commitment to targeting criminal networks that fuel addiction, violence, and fear in our communities. We will continue to work shoulder-to-shoulder with our partners to make Central Georgia a safer place to live.”

“Operation Mobile Order represents the best in local and federal law enforcement partnerships,” said Bibb County Sheriff David Davis. “Together, FBI agents and Bibb County Sheriff’s Office investigators worked tirelessly to bring this cadre of criminals to justice. Our community is much better off with these peddlers of poison off our streets.”

The following defendants were sentenced today, on September 3:

Eddie Reese, 54, of Atlanta, was sentenced to serve 200 months in prison to be followed by four years of supervised release after he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances on June 18, 2025.

Alton Oliver, aka “Alo,” aka “Lo,” 43, of Macon, was sentenced to serve 240 months in prison to be followed by four years of supervised release after he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime on Jan. 8.

The following defendant was sentenced on August 10:

Tanya Card, 51, of Macon, was sentenced to serve six months in prison after she pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute co***ne base on Dec. 2, 2025.

The following defendant was sentenced on June 4:

Roddreckious Williams, 33, of Macon, was sentenced to serve 151 months in prison to be followed by four years of supervised release after he pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of co***ne base and one count of distribution of co***ne on Jan. 21.

The following defendants were sentenced on May 19:

Roosevelt Cole, aka “Froball,” 52, of Macon, was sentenced to serve 170 months in prison to be followed by four years of supervised release after he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances on Jan. 6.

Marvin Huff, aka “Black,” 50, of Macon, was sentenced to serve 125 months in prison to be followed by four years of supervised release after he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances on Jan. 8.

Trayvon Simmons, aka “Abo,” 29, of Macon, was sentenced to serve 70 months in prison to be followed by four years of supervised release after he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances on Jan. 6.

The following defendant was sentenced to prison on April 2:

Antonyo Daniels, aka “Tony,” 31, of Warner Robins, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 250 months in prison to be followed by four years of supervised release after he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances on Jan. 8.

The following defendants were sentenced to prison on March 2:

Devonta Jackson, 31, of Macon, was sentenced to serve 155 months in prison to be followed by four years of supervised release after he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances on Dec. 2, 2025.

Laderion Jacobs, aka “Johnny,” aka “Johnny Cain,” 30, of Macon, was sentenced to serve 100 months in prison to be followed by four years of supervised release after he pleaded to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances on Dec. 2, 2025.

Ladarrious King, 31, of Macon, was sentenced to serve 70 months in prison to be followed by four years of supervised release after he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances on Dec. 2, 2025.

The following defendant was sentenced to prison on Feb. 5:

Leroy Mintz, aka “Booman,” 29, of Macon, was sentenced to serve 132 months in prison to be followed by four years of supervised release after he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances on Nov. 20, 2025.

U.S. District Judge Marc Treadwell is presiding over the case. There is no parole in the federal system.

According to court documents and statements in court, in 2022 and 2023, the FBI conducted Operation Mobile Order, a Macon-centered investigation targeting an armed drug trafficking organization led by Reese. Many members of the organization are validated Blue Band Gang (BBG) members who affiliate with the Crips criminal organization. During the investigation, the FBI ran nine controlled purchases of co***ne and crack co***ne and intercepted phone calls and text messages, detailing transactions involving kilograms of co***ne from an Atlanta supplier.

The main drug distribution site, also known as a trap house, was located on Richard Street in Macon. This busy location functioned similarly to a restaurant, with members of the organization assigned shifts to distribute drugs. Recorded calls captured Reese discussing drug overdoses in the community, claiming that if the drugs causing those overdoses had come from his Richard Street operation, “everyone in Macon would be dead.”

The FBI executed 11 federal search warrants in Macon, Warner Robins, and Atlanta on Nov. 20, 2023, including at the Richard Street trap house, seizing co***ne, 26 fi****ms, a ballistic vest, and $93,247. One of the locations searched included Oliver’s home on Williamson Road in Macon. There, agents found a machine gun plus five fi****ms. In addition, agents found quantities of co***ne and methamphetamine at Oliver’s. The ballistic vest belonged to Daniels.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

The FBI and the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case.

U.S. Attorney Will Keyes prosecuted the case for the Government.

The United States Department of Justice
United States Attorneys' Offices
FBI - Atlanta
FBI – Federal Bureau of Investigation
Bibb County Sheriff's Office
Macon Regional Crimestoppers

🔗 https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdga/pr/final-defendants-convicted-macons-operation-mobile-order-sentenced

09/01/2026

We’re taking bold, decisive action to disrupt organized crime, hold the most violent offenders accountable, and stop the spread of the deadliest drugs in our communities, especially fentanyl. We are:

• Prioritizing cases involving organized crime and violent offenders.

• Collaborating closely with local, state, and federal partners to share intelligence and maximize impact.

• Aggressively prosecuting those distributing fentanyl and other deadly substances.

Our commitment is unwavering: we will use every tool available to make our neighborhoods safer, protect families, and hold those who threaten our communities fully accountable.

Learn more about our work and recent successes in the article just published in James Magazine: https://james-magazine.paperturn-view.com/james-september-october-2026-web?pid=ODk8959743&p=71

The United States Department of Justice
United States Attorneys' Offices
FBI - Atlanta
Drug Enforcement Administration
ATF
Department of Homeland Security
United States Marshals Service
United States Secret Service
Georgia Bureau of Investigation
Macon Regional Crimestoppers

08/26/2026

We are thrilled to announce the addition of three outstanding, highly-experienced Assistant United States Attorneys (AUSAs) to the Albany Criminal Division!

Please join us in welcoming Christian Bryant, Whitney Bradford, and Brad Rigby. All former state prosecutors from Cordele, they each bring a wealth of experience handling the most complex cases, including murders, child exploitation, gang violence, fraud, and public corruption, with a combined 150 jury trials under their belts.

Together, this highly skilled team will enhance our efforts to ensure public safety in Southwest Georgia and across the Middle District of Georgia, as we work alongside our law enforcement partners to uphold the rule of law.

Welcome to the Middle District of Georgia!

Photo: U.S. Attorney Will Keyes stands with AUSAs Christian Bryant, Whitney Bradford, and Brad Rigby, and Chief U.S. District Judge Leslie Abrams Gardner following their swearings-in at the federal courthouse in Albany, Georgia, on Monday, Aug. 24, 2026.

The United States Department of Justice
United States Attorneys' Offices

08/24/2026

We are excited to welcome five talented law clerks from Mercer University Law School to the USAO MDGA team!

Caine Bagley, Abby “Rose” Baker, Madeleine “Maddy” Bertz, Carter Pannell, and Henry Pastel stand with U.S. Attorney Will Keyes and our leadership team.

All 3Ls, they will work in the Criminal and Civil Divisions, supporting our commitment to justice.

The United States Department of Justice
United States Attorneys' Offices

08/20/2026

Former Georgia Correctional Officer Cadet Sentenced for M**h Smuggling

GDC Officers Found Half Kilo+ of 100% Pure M**h on Defendant During Entry Shakedown

MACON, Ga. – A former Georgia correctional officer cadet who attempted to bring more than a half kilogram of unadulterated methamphetamine into Dooly State Prison for an inmate was sentenced to serve 10 years in prison for his crime.

"The penalties are steep when trusted members of the prison system smuggle contraband behind bars, as this exponentially increases the danger for everyone both inside and outside the prison walls," said U.S. Attorney William R. "Will" Keyes. "We are grateful to the dedicated correctional officers who protect the safety and security of our prisons each day, often under challenging circumstances. Their commitment and professionalism are essential to maintaining order and upholding justice.”

“The GDC does not tolerate actions of individuals who choose to bring discredit to the values of our agency and jeopardize our non-negotiable mission of public safety,” said GDC Commissioner Tyrone Oliver. “We appreciate the support of our federal partners in ensuring that justice will be served on this former cadet, and we are proud of those officers involved who were diligent in stopping the introduction of dangerous contraband into one of our facilities.”

“This case is a clear example of why accountability matters. A person entrusted with becoming a correctional officer chose instead to participate in the smuggling of methamphetamine into a prison,” said Jae W. Chung, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division. “That conduct threatens the safety and security of the entire correctional system. Working together with our law enforcement partners, we will continue to identify those who attempt to bring dangerous drugs behind prison walls and ensure they face the consequences of their actions.”

Julius Deshawn Williams Jr., 29, of Bonaire, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 120 months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release by U.S. District Judge C. Ashley Royal on Aug. 19, after he pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine on Dec.1, 2025. There is no parole in the federal system.

According to statements referenced in court, Williams was a cadet undergoing training to become a correctional officer at Dooly State Prison. On June 24, 2024, when Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) officers conducted the security check and shake-down required of every person attempting to enter the facility, they found four packages containing methamphetamine wrapped in black tape and hidden in the defendant’s pants. Next, his vehicle was searched, and GDC officers found four more packages of methamphetamine wrapped in black electrical tape and a pistol. Williams admitted he was attempting to bring the drugs into the prison to give to an inmate. The packages contained 640 grams of methamphetamine with 100% purity.

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Travis Lynes prosecuted the case for the Government.

The United States Department of Justice
United States Attorneys' Offices
Drug Enforcement Administration - DEA
Georgia Department of Corrections

🔗 https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdga/pr/former-georgia-correctional-officer-cadet-sentenced-meth-smuggling

08/19/2026

National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day is this Friday, August 21. Fentanyl is devastating communities across Georgia and the nation—just 2 milligrams can kill. We all have a role to play in saving lives.

Join the movement:
• Learn about the dangers of fentanyl
• Talk with your family and friends
• Share resources and support those at risk

Let’s unite for a . Watch and share the new PSA and help spread the word.

Together, we can make a difference.

PSA: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mwYRvWUjcH8

Learn more: https://www.dea.gov/fentanylawareness



The United States Department of Justice
United States Attorneys' Offices
Drug Enforcement Administration - DEA
FBI - Atlanta
Georgia Bureau of Investigation
ATF

Fighting for a Fentanyl-Free Middle District of Georgia

08/14/2026

Georgia Woman Charged in Alleged Tax Fraud Targeting Truck Drivers

Potential Victims Can Contact FBI in Ongoing Nationwide Tax Fraud Investigation

MACON, Ga. – U.S. Attorney William R. “Will” Keyes today announced a 54-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury this week charging a Georgia woman with allegedly defrauding at least 26 people, mostly self-employed truck drivers, in a tax scheme as part of an ongoing National Fraud Enforcement Division investigation led by the FBI and the IRS.

Diane Marie Poe, 62, of Loganville, Georgia, is charged by federal indictment in Case No. 3:26-CR-14, filed on Aug. 12, with 32 counts of bank fraud; 14 counts of failure to account for and pay over withholding and F**A taxes; four counts of failure to file a corporate tax return; two counts of making and subscribing a false return; and two counts of federal program theft. Poe faces a maximum of 30 years imprisonment per count of bank fraud; five years imprisonment per count of failure to pay over taxes; one year imprisonment per count of failure to file a corporate return; three years imprisonment per count of making a false return; and 10 years imprisonment per count of federal program theft. There is no parole in the federal system. The defendant's initial appearance will occur at a time determined by the Court.

According to the indictment, Poe is the owner of Genuine Financial Services, Inc. (GFS), an accounting and tax preparation service in Walton County, Georgia, that employed several people. The company provided bookkeeping, payroll, and payroll tax services, as well as business and personal tax preparation and filing, mostly for individuals employed in the trucking industry. As part of their services, clients would pay over to GFS their estimated payroll taxes.

Poe allegedly defrauded at least 26 individuals, mostly self-employed truck drivers, by accepting payments for tax and filing services she did not deliver, including collecting estimated payroll or trust fund taxes but failing to remit them to the IRS. She is also accused of failing to file her personal and business taxes properly and of failing to pay payroll taxes for her employees.

Many of Poe’s clients in the truck business came from word of mouth. If any individuals used GFS tax services or employed Poe for tax services and believe they might be victims of fraud, please call the FBI Atlanta at (770) 216-3000. In addition, anyone with information about this case is encouraged to contact the FBI.

On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.

The FBI and the IRS are investigating the case, with assistance from the Loganville Police Department, Walton County Sheriff’s Office, and the Walton County District Attorney’s Office.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Peach is prosecuting the case for the Government.

An indictment and criminal complaint are merely allegations of criminal conduct, and all defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt.

🔗 https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdga/pr/georgia-woman-charged-alleged-tax-fraud-targeting-truck-drivers

The United States Department of Justice
FBI – Federal Bureau of Investigation
FBI - Atlanta
IRS
Walton County GA Sheriff's Office

MACON, Ga. – U.S. Attorney William R. “Will” Keyes today announced a 54-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury this week charging a Georgia woman with allegedly defrauding at least 26 people, mostly self-employed truck drivers, in a tax scheme as part of an ongoing National Fraud En...

08/13/2026

Two Defendants Sentenced in Atlanta to Milledgeville M**h Trafficking Case

MACON, Ga. – Two more defendants involved in a drug trafficking ring sourcing methamphetamine from Atlanta for distribution in Milledgeville, Georgia, have been brought to justice resulting from an Operation Take Back America investigation led by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office.

“Our office is committed to working alongside law enforcement to make our communities safer by dismantling armed drug trafficking organizations and holding those who threaten public safety fully accountable,” said U.S. Attorney William R. “Will” Keyes. “We are grateful to our law enforcement partners for their tireless efforts and dedication to protecting our neighborhoods.”

“Drug trafficking organizations don’t just deal drugs—they bring guns, violence, and instability into our neighborhoods,” said Jae W. Chung, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division. “The significant prison sentences and guilty pleas reflect the danger these defendants posed, and the harm caused by flooding our communities with methamphetamine and other illicit drugs.”

Desmond Glenn, 35, of Milledgeville, was sentenced to serve 260 months in prison to be followed by 10 years of supervised release on Aug. 12, after he previously pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime on Feb. 17.

Katherine Short-Barcenas, 36, of Milledgeville, was sentenced to serve 48 months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release on Aug. 12, after she previously pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of methamphetamine on Dec. 17, 2025.

The following codefendants previously pleaded guilty, and some have been sentenced:

Cory Wilson, 41, of Milledgeville, pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of methamphetamine on July 20, and faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison up to a maximum of life in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release and a maximum $10 million fine. Sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 14.

Rodney May, 38, of Milledgeville, Georgia, pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine on Dec. 17, 2025, and faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison up to a maximum of life in prison to be followed by 10 years of supervised release and a maximum $20 million fine. Sentencing is scheduled for May 12, 2027.

Ruby Fogg, 39, of Austell, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 324 months in prison to be followed by 10 years of supervised release on June 10, after she previously pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

Robert Matthew Wood, 43, of Marietta, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 262 months in prison to be followed by 10 years of supervised release on June 10, after he previously pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

Tony Baker, 39, of Macon, was sentenced to serve 92 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release on June 10, after he previously pleaded guilty to one count of convicted felon in possession of a firearm.

U.S. District Judge Marc T. Treadwell is presiding over the case. There is no parole in the federal system.

According to court documents and statements referenced in court, federal agents began investigating a group of individuals distributing methamphetamine in the Baldwin County, Georgia, area beginning in early 2023. Between April 25, 2023, and July 31, 2023, agents conducted four separate controlled purchases from Glenn totaling approximately 162 grams of methamphetamine. Under surveillance, Glenn was recorded selling methamphetamine and other controlled substances to people in Baldwin County as well as obtaining large amounts of methamphetamine from several sources of supply, including Fogg, who was the leader of the criminal network. Short-Barcenas and Wilson, members of this drug trafficking ring, sold methamphetamine twice to a confidential source in early March 2023, as part of this investigation.

Fogg was working closely with Wood to obtain and distribute large amounts of methamphetamine. Fogg and Wood often rented hotel rooms in Atlanta where they stored and sold narcotics. On Nov. 14, 2023, Fogg directed Glenn to pick up methamphetamine from Wood at an Atlanta area hotel, at a time she was making a trip to deliver drug proceeds to Jackson, Georgia. May and Baker traveled with Glenn to the Atlanta hotel; on the return trip, their vehicle was stopped by law enforcement, and nearly one kilo of methamphetamine was found in a bag, along with a smaller amount in the floorboard. Officers also found a firearm tucked between Glenn’s seat and the center console, and another firearm in the backseat. A search warrant was executed at Glenn’s Milledgeville home, where officers found an additional 64.68 grams of methamphetamine and five fi****ms in his bedroom. Glenn was previously convicted of robbery by force in Baldwin County, Georgia. It is illegal for a convicted felon to possess a firearm.

Two days later, on Nov. 16, 2023, Fogg and Wood were arrested; the hotel they were renting was searched, and an additional 154.97 grams of methamphetamine was located, plus drug paraphernalia. Fogg has three prior criminal felony methamphetamine distribution convictions in Douglas County, Georgia, Superior Court.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. The DEA and the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Howard is prosecuting the case for the Government.

🔗 https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdga/pr/two-defendants-sentenced-atlanta-milledgeville-meth-trafficking-case

The United States Department of Justice
United States Attorneys' Offices
Drug Enforcement Administration - DEA
Baldwin Sheriff Georgia

08/05/2026

Columbus Woman Sentenced as Career Offender for Distributing M**h

Defendant has Lengthy Criminal Record, with Prior Convictions in Georgia and South Carolina

COLUMBUS, Ga. – A Georgia woman with a lengthy criminal record and prior convictions in two states was sentenced as a career offender to serve 20 years in prison for distributing methamphetamine.

“Career offenders face significant consequences in the federal system when they repeatedly violate the law and endanger our communities,” said U.S. Attorney William R. “Will” Keyes. “By working closely with law enforcement partners at every level, our office is committed to holding these individuals accountable and ensuring justice is served.”

“Repeat drug traffickers who continue to profit from the distribution of dangerous narcotics pose a significant threat to our communities,” said Jae W. Chung, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division. “Today’s sentence demonstrates that career offenders who repeatedly engage in methamphetamine trafficking will be held accountable. DEA remains committed to working alongside our law enforcement and prosecutorial partners to disrupt drug trafficking organizations and protect the public from the devastating impact of methamphetamine.”

“The Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office takes a very firm stance on ridding our community of illegal and dangerous drugs,” said Muscogee County Sheriff Greg Countryman. “We are proud to work with our federal partners to leverage resources for a safer Muscogee County. The MCSO remains committed to ensuring Muscogee County is a safer place to work and live for all citizens.”

Conier Long, 49, of Columbus, was sentenced as a career offender to serve 240 months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release by U.S. District Judge Clay Land on Aug. 3. Long previously pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of methamphetamine on Jan. 20, 2026. There is no parole in the federal system.

According to court documents, DEA agents and Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office deputies used a confidential source to conduct a controlled purchase of methamphetamine from Long, who was under investigation for drug trafficking. On Jan. 25, 2023, Long agreed to meet the source to distribute methamphetamine. During this conversation, Long also stated that she had to report to her parole officer for a drug test. Later that day, Long met the confidential source at the Players Billiard Club on 54th Street in Columbus and handed over a cardboard box containing 107.81 grams of pure methamphetamine.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

The DEA and the Muscogee County Sherrif’s Office investigated the case, and it was prosecuted by the Columbus Division of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia.

🔗 https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdga/pr/columbus-woman-sentenced-career-offender-distributing-meth

The United States Department of Justice
United States Attorneys' Offices
Drug Enforcement Administration - DEA
Muscogee County Sheriff's Office

08/04/2026

Columbus Repeat Offender Sentenced to Prison for Armed Drug Trafficking

COLUMBUS, Ga. – A Georgia man with a violent criminal record, whose supervised release was revoked for previously assaulting a federal officer, was sentenced to more than 10 years in prison on top of his current 60-month term after a federal jury convicted him of multiple drug and gun offenses.

“This defendant and others like him who continue to violate the law and endanger others will be held accountable in the Middle District of Georgia, where there is no parole,” said U.S. Attorney William R. “Will” Keyes. “We will continue to work with law enforcement to ensure that repeat offenders face justice.”

“This defendant callously picked up right where he left off from prior convictions,” said Supervisory Senior Resident Agent Thomas Clark. “The FBI will continue to investigate anyone who repeatedly violates the law by illegally arming themselves and committing crimes that continue to harm the community.”

Nimesh Vijay Desai, 44, of Columbus, was sentenced to serve 121 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release on Aug. 3. Desai was found guilty of one count of possession of methamphetamine, one count of possession of fentanyl, one count of possession of he**in, and one count of possession of firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon on March 4, following a three-day trial that began on March 2, before U.S. District Judge Clay Land. There is no parole in the federal system.

According to court documents and statements referenced at trial, law enforcement executed two search warrants on Feb. 28, 2024, at a Columbus apartment and a storage unit leased to Desai, resulting from an ongoing investigation into armed drug trafficking in the community. During the searches, agents seized 2.2 kilograms of methamphetamine and 800 grams of fentanyl and he**in, along with scales and grinders often used in the distribution of illegal drugs, and $12,800.

Law enforcement also recovered seven fi****ms and numerous rounds of ammunition, including magazines, all belonging to Desai. At the time of the searches, Desai was on federal supervised release for his 2012 convictions in the Middle District of Georgia for distributing methamphetamine, possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, and assaulting federal agents with a deadly weapon. Desai is currently serving 60 months in federal prison because of a revocation of his supervised release for these prior convictions. Today’s sentence will run consecutively to his current 60-month federal sentence.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

FBI investigated the case with assistance from the Harris County Sheriff’s Office and the Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office.

Criminal Chief Leah McEwen is prosecuting the case for the Government.

🔗 https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdga/pr/columbus-repeat-offender-sentenced-prison-armed-drug-trafficking

The United States Department of Justice
United States Attorneys' Offices
FBI - Atlanta
FBI – Federal Bureau of Investigation
Muscogee County Sheriff's Office
Harris County Sheriff's Office