Wilfort Foster, III, a 41-year-old from El Monte, California, has been sentenced to 28 years in federal prison for his role in a narcotics and money laundering conspiracy. Foster led an operation that trafficked methamphetamine and fentanyl from California to North Georgia and other areas while laundering drug proceeds.
U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg commented on the collaborative effort with law enforcement agencies to dismantle the network: “Foster’s 28-year prison sentence should serve as a robust warning to others who might consider trafficking deadly fentanyl and methamphetamine in North Georgia.”
Jae W. Chung of the DEA Atlanta Division emphasized their commitment to targeting money laundering networks linked to illegal drugs: “We will continue to follow the money trail while working alongside our partners.”
Paul Brown of FBI Atlanta noted that this sentencing concludes a lengthy investigation into the drug trafficking network: “The FBI remains focused on dismantling these dangerous organizations at every level—from supply to distribution to laundering the proceeds of their crimes.”
Steven N. Schrank from Homeland Security Investigations highlighted the danger posed by illicit narcotics: “Thanks to the dedicated efforts of HSI and our law enforcement partners, Wilfort Foster, III...will no longer be able to endanger lives with these deadly substances.”
Court documents revealed that from 2017 until 2022, Foster transported methamphetamine and fentanyl from California using a stash house and illegal gambling operation based in his barbershop. The network laundered over $600,000 back to Foster through shell companies.
United States District Judge William M. Ray II handed down Foster's sentence after he pleaded guilty on January 6, 2025. Another member of his organization, Steven Ham from Cartersville, Georgia, received a 15-year sentence last year.
Several co-defendants have also pleaded guilty in connection with this case and are awaiting sentencing.
The investigation involved multiple agencies including the FBI, DEA, Homeland Security Investigations among others. This case is part of Operation Take Back America under OCDETF which targets high-level criminal organizations threatening U.S. communities.
For more information about drug dangers visit www.justthinktwice.gov or contact U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov.