Fourteen individuals have been sentenced to federal prison for their roles in a drug trafficking operation based within a prison, which facilitated the distribution of methamphetamine and heroin in the metro Atlanta area. Acting U.S. Attorney Richard S. Moultrie, Jr. stated that some defendants continued their criminal activities from behind bars, posing significant risks to public safety. He emphasized that the sentences reflect the combined efforts of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to combat drug distribution.
Jae W. Chung, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Division, highlighted the harmful impact of this drug trafficking organization on communities and assured that those distributing dangerous drugs will be held accountable by the DEA.
The investigation revealed that inmates Jesus Garcia-Gutierez and Miguel Elorza at Jenkins Correctional Center used contraband cellphones to arrange drug deals outside the facility with accomplices. Several incidents were cited where law enforcement intercepted drugs intended for distribution or smuggling into prisons.
Garcia-Gutierez coordinated multiple transactions involving individuals like David Crider, Jr., Anthony Bernard Jordan, Sheila Hardy, Larry Mosley, Nathaniel Jackson, Christopher Butler, Joseph Brown, Quantavius Foster, Darrell White, Tiffany Julian, and Jonathan Tyler Bryant across various locations in Georgia.
Ultimately responsible for distributing 14 kilograms of methamphetamine and 860 grams of heroin in Northern Georgia, all defendants pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges related to drug possession with intent to distribute. Sentences ranged from over 15 years for Garcia-Gutierez to just over one year for others involved.
The Drug Enforcement Administration and Georgia Bureau of Investigation led the case's investigation with support from several local law enforcement bodies. The prosecution was managed by Assistant U.S. Attorney Bethany L. Rupert alongside former Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas Joy.
Authorities recommend visiting www.justthinktwice.gov for educational resources about drug dangers. For more information about this case or other inquiries, contact details are provided for the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office.