Southwest Georgia Drug Ring Busted: 7 Face Federal Charges

ALBANY, GA – A two-year investigation into a major drug trafficking operation in southwest Georgia culminated this week with the execution of federal arrest and search warrants in Albany and Dawson, authorities announced. The bust, a coordinated effort between multiple state and federal agencies, ripped the core out of a network allegedly responsible for flooding the region with cocaine and illegal firearms.

The investigation, initiated by the Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) Sylvester, revealed a sophisticated organization moving multi-kilogram quantities of powder cocaine, crack cocaine, and firearms throughout the southwest Georgia area. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia provided crucial support throughout the lengthy probe.

Federal arrest warrants were served on November 13, 2013, leading to the apprehension of seven individuals now in federal custody awaiting bond hearings. Those arrested include: Toney Ricardo Mosley, 44, of Albany, GA, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute; Montravis Montez Luke, 29, of Albany, GA, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute, and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon; Joe Lewis Guest III, 26, of Albany, GA, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute; Timothy Lemond Johnson, 41, of Albany, GA, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute; Ontario Deshone Watson, 40, of Dawson, GA, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute; Darian Jay Gillison, 36, of Albany, GA, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute; and Kenneth Fairbanks, 39, of Dawson, GA, also charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute.

“This wasn’t some small-time operation,” a source within the GBI told Grimy Times on condition of anonymity. “These guys were moving serious weight and arming themselves accordingly. Taking them off the street will undoubtedly have a positive impact on the communities they were poisoning.” Authorities executed federal search warrants in Albany, presumably seizing evidence related to the drug trafficking and firearms operation.

The collaborative effort involved the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Georgia State Patrol (GSP) Post 40, Albany Probation, and the Albany Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Leah McEwen is leading the prosecution. The successful operation highlights the importance of interagency cooperation in combating organized crime in rural Georgia.

Officials are urging anyone with information related to this case or other criminal activity in southwest Georgia to contact the United States Attorney’s Office. Public Affairs Specialist Sue McKinney can be reached at (478) 621-2602. Grimy Times will continue to follow this case as it unfolds and bring you the latest updates from the courtroom.

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