ATLANTA – The Atlanta drug underworld has taken a significant hit as Bernard Stokley, also known as Big Pat, and three of his associates have been convicted of distributing heroin in the English Avenue community.
Stokley, Tobias Ellison, Alvin Hughley (a/k/a Alvin Beasley), and Vance Hoard (a/k/a Bernard Hoard, a/k/a Vance Holland) all pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute heroin. Their operations were sophisticated, with advertisements for their illegal wares spread across social media platforms like Facebook and Snapchat, and sales conducted via telephone.
The takedown of this ring underscores the evolving methods of drug dealers who now have to resort to arranging deals through telecommunications rather than open corner deals. It also highlights the role citizens play in combating crime, as the investigation was sparked by a tip from an anonymous source to the Atlanta Police Department’s Crime Stoppers line.
“The successful conviction of these four defendants is a testament to the power of community members and law enforcement working together,” said James M. Deir, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the ATF Atlanta Field Division. “Their actions have a profound impact on our communities’ quality of life.”
Atlanta Police Chief Erika Shields echoed this sentiment, stating, “The citizens are the eyes and ears of the community, and their input is crucial in taking criminals off the streets.”
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Atlanta Police Department (APD), and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI). Sentencings for the defendants are scheduled for April 20, 2017. Assistant United States Attorney Ryan M. Christian is handling the prosecution.
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Key Facts
- State: Georgia
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime|Sex Crimes|Cybercrime|Public Corruption|Weapons|Human Trafficking|White Collar Crime|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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