VALDOSTA, Ga. – In a hard-fought victory against South Georgia’s drug trafficking underworld, three co-conspirators of an armed DTO were found guilty at trial this week. Calvin James Smith, Jr., 36, from Tifton, was convicted on federal counts of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and distribution of the substance, facing life in prison. Eddie Lee Hardley, 36, from Adel, also received a life sentence for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. Yardley Payne, 57, from Adel, was sentenced to up to 15 years for possession of firearms by a convicted felon and a drug user.
The trial ran from July 14 to July 24, with Senior U.S. District Judge W. Louis Sands presiding over the case. Sentencing dates will be set by the Court, with no parole in the federal system.
U.S. Attorney William R. “Will” Keyes praised the collaborative efforts of federal, state, and local law enforcement for their relentless pursuit of armed DTOs. FBI Atlanta Special Agent in Charge Paul Brown emphasized the FBI’s dedication to dismantling drug trafficking organizations responsible for addiction and community destruction. GBI Director Chris Hosey echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that those who threaten communities with violence and illegal substances will face justice.
The investigation into the DTO began in December 2020, led by Calvin James Smith, Sr., also known as “Rollo,” whose trial concluded earlier this year with a life sentence. The DTO was accused of distributing large quantities of meth, crack cocaine, and marijuana. During searches on November 10, 2022, over five kilograms of methamphetamine, more than ten pounds of marijuana, and various firearms were seized.
This conviction is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative aimed at eliminating cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protecting communities from violent crime.
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Key Facts
- State: Georgia
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Organized Crime|Violent Crime|Weapons|Public Corruption
- Source: Official Source ↗
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