The leader of an armed drug trafficking organization responsible for acquiring at least 250 kilograms of methamphetamine from a prisoner and then distributing the drugs into west central Georgia has been sentenced to 40 years in federal prison.
Cornelius Leonard, 29, of Grantville, Georgia, was sentenced to 480 months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release on May 14. Leonard previously pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances; one count of distribution of methamphetamine; and one count of conspiracy to tamper with a witness. The defendant is not eligible for parole.
“Cornelius Leonard and those involved in pushing more than 250 kilograms of methamphetamine into Thomaston and Columbus have been held accountable for their part in this armed drug trafficking organization causing harm in these communities,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Federal, state and local law enforcement collaborated throughout this lengthy and complex investigation to successfully stop a significant criminal organization.”
This sentencing serves as a warning to those who would seek to bring illegal drugs into our communities. Law enforcement agencies will employ whatever means necessary to find and bring to justice those responsible,” said FBI Atlanta Supervisory Senior Resident Agent of the Macon Office Robert Gibbs. “This sentencing closes a significant pipeline for dangerous drugs running through the streets of Georgia. We are grateful to the many law enforcement agencies whose coordinated efforts achieved this sentence.”
The following co-defendants have been sentenced in this case:
Pedro Barragan Valencia, 47, of Calhoun, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 400 months in prison after he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances.
Ramone Zorn, 54, of Thomaston, was sentenced to serve 300 months in prison after he pleaded guilty to distribution of methamphetamine.
Kedric Fuller, 43, of Woodbury, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 180 months in prison after he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances.
Horatio Venable, 27, of Columbus, was sentenced to serve 144 months in prison after he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Markevious Snipes, 33, of Thomaston, was sentenced to serve 136 months in prison after he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Mechile Hobbs, 50, of Thomaston, was sentenced to serve 120 months in prison after he pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Darius Wellmaker, 41, of Thomaston, was sentenced to serve 90 months in prison after he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Joshua McAfee, 36, of Thomaston, was sentenced to serve 50 months in prison after he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances.
Rashard Moreland, 38, of Columbus, was sentenced to serve 40 months in prison after he pleaded guilty to use of a telecommunications facility in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Antovious Hunter, 41, of Columbus, was sentenced to serve 37 months in prison after he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Dustin Robbins, 34, of Columbus, was sentenced to serve 36 months in prison after he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Sabrina Smith, 34, of Columbus, was sentenced to serve 60 months in prison after she pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
This case is a prime example of the coordinated efforts of law enforcement agencies working together to bring justice to those responsible for perpetuating crime in our communities. The success of this investigation and prosecution is a testament to the dedication and hard work of all those involved.
As we continue to work to keep our communities safe, we will not hesitate to take action against those who would seek to harm them through drug trafficking and other forms of organized crime.
Related Federal Cases
- James Maxwell a/k/a ‘Sonny Spoon’ Pleads Guilty to Drug Trafficking · Texas
- Leader of Armed Meth Trafficking Ring Sentenced to 40 Years · Georgia
- Drug Kingpin Gets 19 Years: Mexican Cartel Link Exposed · North Carolina
- Valdosta Man ‘Westside’ Faces Life Sentence in Drug Case · Georgia
- Walter Ray Hamilton, Sean Jones Sentenced in Chamblee Drug Ring · Texas
Key Facts
- State: Georgia
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: Official Source ↗
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