Michael Dean Hubbard, Domminick Sentell Robbins Sentenced in Cocaine Ring

SAVANNAH, GA — A sprawling, years-long cocaine trafficking conspiracy that pumped kilos of poison into Georgia streets has officially been shut down with the final prison sentences handed to two key players. Michael Dean Hubbard, 39, of Garden City, Ga., was sentenced to 115 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Cocaine and Marijuana. Domminick Sentell Robbins, 39, of Guyton, Ga., received 37 months behind bars after pleading guilty to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Cocaine. There is no parole in the federal system.

The sentences mark the end of Operation Lazarus, a massive undercover dragnet that spanned from 2012 to 2017 and dismantled a nationwide drug pipeline. Led by the Chatham-Savannah Counter Narcotics Team (CNT) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the investigation uncovered a network using tractor-trailers to move massive quantities of cocaine, heroin, Ecstasy, prescription pills, and marijuana from Texas and California into Savannah, Atlanta, and Florida. The operation resulted in the seizure of more than 10 kilograms of powder and crack cocaine, 16 pounds of marijuana, 50 firearms, and over $700,000 in cash.

Bobby L. Christine, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia, made it clear: the streets are safer now. “The sentencing for these two criminals slams the door on a major conspiracy to peddle poison in our communities,” Christine said. “With our law enforcement partners, we are committed to tracking down and bringing to justice those who would pollute our neighborhoods with illegal drugs – and Operation Lazarus is a great example of our success.”

Robert J. Murphy, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division, emphasized the agency’s relentless mission. “These drugs cause immeasurable damage, but DEA, its law enforcement partners and the U.S. Attorney’s Office are committed to protecting and serving the citizens of those communities. These defendants will spend well-deserved time in prison.”

Everett Ragan, Director of the CNT, praised the collaborative effort that brought down the ring. “This case recognizes how important it is for local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies to unite in order to dismantle this organization. It is a joint effort and we must hold those responsible for the illegal acts accountable for their actions.” Agencies involved included the Savannah Police Department, Chatham County Sheriff’s Office, Garden City Police Department, and the United States Marshals Service.

Operation Lazarus, part of the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) program, resulted in 54 total convictions—21 in federal court and 33 in state court. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney E. Greg Gilluly Jr. Federal defendants include Christopher Shawn Crimley, 44, Port Wentworth, Ga.; Nakiea Javon Hampton, 38, Savannah; Sherone Kenya McBride, 41, Garden City, Ga.; Shamone Moquis McBride, 39, Garden City, Ga.; Traviel Lamar Perkins, 45, Savannah; Kevin Lamar Speaks, 37, Savannah; Michael Dean Hubbard, 39, Garden City, Ga.; Cedric Jermaine Manior, 46, Rincon, Ga.; Travis Terrell Godwin, 28, Garden City, Ga.; Kendrick Carnell Doomes, 36, Ludowici, Ga.; Steve Gordon, 40, Register, Ga.; Ronnie Cope, 39, Guyton, Ga.; Domminick Sentell Robbins, 39, Guyton, Ga.; Anderson Holmes III, 51, Savannah; and Trevor Wendell Walke.