Justin Harris Vinson, Distribution of Methamphetamine, Georgia 2022

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Albany GA Man Sentenced for Meth Trafficking

ALBANY, Ga. – Justin Harris Vinson, 42, of Warwick, Georgia, pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of methamphetamine. Vinson is facing a mandatory minimum of ten years up to a maximum of life imprisonment to be followed by at least five years of supervised release and a $10 million fine.

Co-defendant Shana Rae Black, 34, of Cordele, Georgia, pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of methamphetamine on Aug. 15. Both defendants are facing severe penalties for their crimes.

According to court documents and statements referenced in court, a confidential informant (CI) working with the Crisp County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) contacted Black on Facebook to obtain methamphetamine on Oct. 27, 2022. Black sold the CI approximately 111 grams of methamphetamine at a Perry, Georgia, motel; the CI reported there was a pistol on a nightstand in the motel room, next to a bulk quantity of methamphetamine.

On Oct. 31, an undercover Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) agent contacted Black to purchase methamphetamine and met her at the Walmart in Cordele. Under audio and video surveillance, the GBI agent purchased methamphetamine from Black.

On Nov. 2, FBI, DEA and GBI agents met with another CI to purchase methamphetamine from Vinson. Under surveillance, Vinson met the CI at his Warwick residence and traveled with Vinson to the Sunrise Inn in Cordele to meet with Black. During the transaction, Black provided 284.4 grams of methamphetamine and collected the majority of the cash payment for the drugs, with Vinson keeping $300 as a brokering fee. Vinson was seen with a firearm during the transaction.

On Nov. 7, CCSO and GBI arrested Black in Crisp County as she traveled in a vehicle back from McDonough, Georgia. A search of the vehicle revealed Black was in possession of 982.7 grams of 97% pure methamphetamine, 15.89 grams of 91% pure methamphetamine, a digital scale and several cell phones.

U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary vowed to hold individuals accountable for their crimes, stating, “Repeat convicted felons who illegally arm themselves and distribute the most highly addictive and dangerous drugs into our communities will face federal consequences for these crimes.”

Robert J. Murphy, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Division, said, “Drug traffickers drive addiction and destroy communities. DEA will use any resource necessary to remove these career criminals from our streets.”