Adrian Howard, Heroin Distribution, Georgia 2021

A Macon man with a lengthy criminal past has admitted to possessing heroin with the intent to distribute it, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Georgia.

Adrian Howard, 46, of Macon, pleaded guilty on September 19 to possession with intent to distribute heroin. He faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, to be followed by at least three years of supervised release, and a $1,000,000 fine.

Howard's guilty plea comes after a federal investigation into drug trafficking in Middle Georgia, led by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). The investigation began in February 2021, when a confidential source informed the DEA that Howard was dealing methamphetamine in the area.

Agents conducted two controlled buys of methamphetamine from Howard at a rental home on Eveline Avenue in Macon in February and March 2021. Following the second controlled buy, a search warrant was executed at the residence on March 18, 2021, where agents found two black safes in Howard's bedroom containing quantities of heroin, methamphetamine, and cash.

Howard's criminal history includes a prior felony conviction of armed robbery in Crawford County, Georgia, Superior Court. According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, individuals with lengthy criminal pasts who continue to engage in illegal activities will be held accountable at the federal level.

The case was investigated by the DEA, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Joy Odom is prosecuting the case. Sentencing is set to occur within 90 days.

Howard's guilty plea is a result of a larger strategic effort by local, state, and federal law enforcement to reduce crime in Middle Georgia. As the U.S. Attorney's Office noted, the distribution of heroin and methamphetamine continues to plague many communities, but law enforcement is committed to protecting its citizens.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdga/pr/macon-man-criminal-past-pleads-guilty-heroin-distribution-resulting-dea-investigation