Adrian Robinson, Julio Martinez-Guzman, Jesse Brooks, James Carden, Reginal Dowdy, and Casanova Pritchett have been sentenced for their involvement in a drug trafficking organization operating in Rome, Georgia. The group was responsible for distributing illegal narcotics such as heroin, methamphetamine, cocaine, and oxycodone.
"Drug trafficking is a societal scourge that poses serious risks to the public health and safety of our communities," stated U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan. He emphasized the role of federal, state, and local enforcement partners in disrupting this organization and prosecuting those involved.
Robert J. Murphy, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Division remarked on the success of the investigation: "The success of this investigation and the subsequent arrests of these drug dealers demonstrates DEA’s commitment to fighting drug trafficking organizations responsible for driving addiction and destroying communities."
In 2021, an investigation by Drug Enforcement Administration special agents and Atlanta-Carolinas High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area task force officers revealed that Julio Martinez-Guzman was running a drug distribution operation from two locations in Rome. Previously convicted of drug trafficking in Georgia's Northern District, Martinez-Guzman's network included suppliers who distributed drugs throughout North Georgia.
The following individuals pleaded guilty to drug trafficking charges:
- Adrian Robinson received six years in prison followed by three years supervised release for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
- Julio Martinez-Guzman was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment with five years supervised release for conspiracy related to methamphetamine, cocaine, oxycodone, and heroin distribution.
- Jesse Willard Brooks received eight years four months imprisonment with five years supervised release for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
- James Carden was sentenced to five years three months imprisonment followed by five years supervised release for conspiracy related to heroin and methamphetamine distribution.
- Reginal Eric Dowdy received three years ten months imprisonment with five years supervised release for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
- Casanova DePaul Pritchett was sentenced to two years six months imprisonment followed by five years supervised release for conspiracy involving cocaine and oxycodone distribution.
Abel Santoyo-Santana remains at large. Authorities request any information regarding his whereabouts be reported to local law enforcement.
This case involved multiple agencies including the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), North Georgia High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force (HIDTA), Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Rome-Floyd Metro Task Force among others. Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy M. Palumbo led prosecution efforts under an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation aiming at dismantling high-level criminal organizations threatening U.S security.
For further inquiries contact U.S Attorney’s Public Affairs Office via USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or call (404) 581-6016; more details available at http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga