ALBANY, Ga. – Larry Sparks, a 45-year-old resident of Albany, has been charged with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine in a case led by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI).
The charges against Sparks, also known as "Detroit," stem from a GBI-led wire-tap undercover investigation that began in March 2023. The probe targeted Sparks’ alleged distribution of fentanyl, heroin, and methamphetamine in Southwest Georgia, with his residence at 1501 Pinecrest Dr. in Albany serving as a key location.
According to court proceedings and the criminal complaint, Sparks’ alleged activities resulted in several controlled substances overdoses resulting in deaths dating back to 2018. A federal search warrant was executed at the Pinecrest Dr. residence on May 16, 2023, yielding 1,265 grams of fentanyl, 3,027 grams of methamphetamine, and seven firearms.
Sparks, a convicted felon, had his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Court Judge Thomas Q. Langstaff at the U.S. Courthouse in Albany on May 18, 2023. He was ordered detained by the Court and is scheduled to have his detention hearing in Macon, Georgia, next week.
The case was investigated by the GBI Southwestern Drug Enforcement Office in Albany, the DEA, the Albany Police Department, the Dougherty County Sheriff’s Office, the Dougherty County Police Department, the Dougherty County District Attorney’s Office, the Americus Police Department, the Colquitt County Sheriff’s Office, and the Crisp County Sheriff’s Office. Criminal Chief Leah McEwen is prosecuting the case.
While Sparks has been charged, a complaint is only an allegation of criminal conduct, and all defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt.
Sparks faces a maximum sentence of life in prison if convicted of the charges against him. The exact sentence or outcome will depend on the outcome of his trial.
A federal search warrant was executed at Sparks’ residence, yielding a significant quantity of fentanyl and methamphetamine, as well as seven firearms.
Related Federal Cases
- Larry Sparks, Fentanyl and Methamphetamine Distribution, Georgia 2023 · Georgia
- Darren J. McCormick, Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine, Georgia 2020 · Puerto Rico
- Skeeter Eugene Weeks, Methamphetamine Possession with Intent to Distribute, Georgia 2023 · Georgia
- Tanita Ellis, Methamphetamine Possession, Georgia 2024 · Georgia
- Ismael Delgado-Celis, Possession and Attempt to Possess with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine, Georgia 2025 · Georgia
Key Facts
- State: Georgia
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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