Monroe Crack Ring Busted: Eight Face Life in Prison

MONROE, GA – A multi-year drug operation allegedly run out of Monroe, Walton County, Georgia, came crashing down today with the arrest of eight individuals. The group faces a staggering 29-count indictment, potentially landing them behind bars for the rest of their lives, according to officials.

United States Attorney G.F. “Pete” Peterman, III announced the arrests following a grand jury indictment handed down November 10, 2016, in the Middle District of Georgia, Athens Division. Those charged include Michael Deshawn Johnson, 39; his wife, Sandra Johnson, 51; their daughter, Felisha Smith, 31; Rodricus Devoe, 27; Robert Mayweather, 28; William Orlando Randolph, 41; Shapharrier Harper, 25; and Annie R. Malcom, 56 – all residents of Monroe, Georgia.

The indictment alleges the defendants conspired to distribute cocaine base, commonly known as crack cocaine, and marijuana within Monroe for a period exceeding three years. This wasn’t a fly-by-night operation; authorities suggest a sustained, organized effort to flood the streets with dangerous drugs.

If convicted of participating in the conspiracy, each defendant faces a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years to life imprisonment. The potential financial penalties are equally severe: a fine of up to $10,000,000, and up to five years of supervised release following incarceration. The full indictment details the specific charges against each individual.

All eight defendants were taken into custody on November 15, 2016, and are scheduled for their initial court appearance in Macon, Georgia, on November 16, 2016. They remain in custody pending further legal proceedings. It’s crucial to remember that these are accusations, and each defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

The investigation was a joint effort between the FBI and the Monroe Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tamara Jarrett is leading the prosecution for the Government. Anyone with further questions regarding this case is directed to contact Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603.

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