Michael Ferrell Price, also known as “Cheese,” has been sentenced to 87 months in federal prison for trafficking methamphetamine and possessing firearms and explosive devices. Price, a resident of Ball Ground, Georgia, operated his activities from a shed in Cherokee County where agents found illegal drugs, more than 150 firearms—including machineguns and unregistered silencers—and dozens of explosive devices. An adjacent structure on the property contained an illegal moonshine still.
“Price posed a clear danger to the community by selling methamphetamine and distilling moonshine while maintaining an illegal stash of explosive devices and more than 150 firearms,” said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. “Thanks to the collaboration of federal agents and local law enforcement, Price has been brought to justice for his crimes.”
“This case demonstrates the results we achieve when federal, state, and local law enforcement work hand-in-hand,” said ATF Assistant Special Agent in Charge Beau Kolodka. “By combining resources and expertise, we were able to dismantle a criminal operation that threatened both public safety and the rule of law.”
“Stockpiling weapons while trafficking drugs is a recipe for tragedy,” said Major Walter Jones, Director of Drug Enforcement-Cherokee Multi-Agency Narcotics Squad. “Price’s sentencing should make clear that those who choose that path will face serious consequences.”
The investigation began in September 2024 after agents received information about Price’s drug activities at his mother’s home in eastern Cherokee County. On October 22, 2024, authorities executed a search warrant at the property where they seized crystal methamphetamine with high purity levels, homemade moonshine, illegal explosives, and numerous firearms.
Among the seized weapons were two machineguns, a short-barreled rifle, a firearm without a serial number made privately, five silencers not registered as required by law, and a stolen revolver. Federal regulations prohibit individuals who abuse controlled substances from possessing firearms or explosives.
On August 21, 2025, United States District Judge Eleanor L. Ross handed down the sentence against Price following his guilty plea on May 7, 2025 to charges of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and possession of a firearm by an unlawful drug user.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) along with the Cherokee Multi-Agency Narcotics Squad led the investigation into Price’s activities. The Blue Ridge Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office also contributed assistance.
U.S. Attorney Hertzberg prosecuted the case.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office encourages parents and children to learn about drug prevention through resources such as www.justthinktwice.gov and www.getsmartaboutdrugs.gov.
For more information about this case or related matters from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia visit http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.