Thirty-eight individuals, including several inmates from Georgia state prisons, have been sentenced for their involvement in a drug trafficking organization that distributed heroin, methamphetamine, and fentanyl in the metro-Atlanta area. The group also laundered drug proceeds to Mexico.
"The successful dismantling of this large organization is a result of a tenacious multi-year effort from federal, state, and local authorities to root out narcotics trafficking originating from state prisons," stated Acting U.S. Attorney Richard S. Moultrie, Jr. He emphasized the ongoing collaboration with law enforcement partners to combat drug distribution networks.
Jae W. Chung, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Division, remarked on the sentences: "These sentences mirror the destructive impact on the community caused by this violent drug trafficking organization."
Sean Burke, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta, added that due to collaborative efforts among various agencies, "thirty-eight members of this extensive drug distribution network will spend significant time behind bars where they will no longer be able to plague our community with poison."
The investigation revealed that prison inmates used contraband cell phones to facilitate drug transactions across metro-Atlanta and beyond. Conspirators outside prison handled storage and distribution while others laundered proceeds through local money remitters. Violence was a tactic employed by the organization against uncooperative members.
The first phase led to an indictment against 19 conspirators for offenses related to drug trafficking and money laundering. Further investigation identified more conspirators including high-level brokers Jesus Sanchez-Morales and Juan Ramirez who were later indicted.
Agents seized substantial quantities of drugs during this operation: over 250 kilograms of methamphetamine, 25 gallons of liquid methamphetamine, more than 12,000 fentanyl pills along with other drugs and $450,000 in proceeds.
U.S. District Judge Leigh Martin May sentenced numerous defendants with varying terms:
- Juan Ramirez received 27 years.
- Jesus Sanchez-Morales also received 27 years.
- Martin Maldonado was sentenced to 19 years and seven months.
- Benjamin Villareal Perez received an identical sentence as Maldonado.
- Jaime Chavez was given a 17-year sentence.
Several others were handed sentences ranging from three years up to 15 years based on their charges.
Eusebio Paniagua-Paz remains at large; information about his whereabouts should be directed to local law enforcement agencies.
This case was investigated by multiple agencies including the DEA and FBI with support from local police departments and federal bodies like ATF and ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations.
Prosecution involved Assistant United States Attorneys Alison B. Prout among others alongside former Assistant United States Attorneys Tyler Mann et al., under an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation aiming at dismantling major criminal organizations threatening U.S interests through intelligence-driven approaches.
Further inquiries can be directed towards U.S Attorney’s Public Affairs Office via USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or phone at (404)581-6280 while additional details regarding OCDETF Program are available online at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF