‘Big’ Albert Ross Gets 2 Life Sentences for Massive Cocaine Conspiracy

A violent drug trafficking organization leader has been sentenced to two life sentences in prison for directing a massive cocaine conspiracy in Georgia.

MACON, Ga. – Albert Ross, 53, of Stone Mountain, Georgia, pleaded guilty on January 22 to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute marijuana. Today, he was sentenced to serve the statutory maximum of life imprisonment for each count by U.S. District Judge Tilman "Tripp" Self III on June 10.

The leader of the DTO, known as "Big," was responsible for distributing approximately 2,000 kilograms of cocaine from Mexico into the U.S., much of which was distributed into the Middle District of Georgia. Ross was ordered to serve five years of supervised release and pay a $1 million fine.

"Keeping our communities safe is our office’s highest priority," said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. "These life sentences for Albert Ross help to accomplish this goal, thanks to the incredible dedication and courage displayed by our law enforcement partners at the federal, state and local level to shut down this violent drug trafficking organization and hold its leader accountable."

The investigation, led by the FBI-Athens Resident Agency, used various techniques including wiretaps, physical surveillance, vehicle trackers, and confidential informants to identify a network of individuals associated with Ross’s DTO. Agents discovered that Ross directed individuals to transport large quantities of cocaine from Texas to be distributed to Ross’s customers and associates.

Working with co-conspirators, investigators found that Ross’s DTO was supplied cocaine by a source in Mexico affiliated with the Cártel de Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG). Money for the cocaine purchases was given to couriers in Atlanta who would then deliver the money to Ross’s cocaine supplier in Mexico. Ross and co-conspirators even flew to Mexico City in August 2019 to meet with Ross’s CJNG cocaine supplier and his cartel boss to negotiate a deal.

Agents learned that Ross was supplied with 112 kilograms of cocaine in a one-month period between March 14 and April 4, 2020. During the same period, Ross sent more than $2.5 million in payment for the drugs. Ross’s sentencing should serve as a stern message to traffickers who threaten the livelihood of our residents with their poison.”

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