Lead Meth Dealer Jayson Wheatley Sentenced to 20 Years

Augusta’s Jayson Dwayne Wheatley, 42, has been sentenced to 240 months for leading a major meth and heroin distribution ring, according to the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia.

The court documents reveal that Wheatley, who pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute at least 50 grams of meth and an unspecified amount of heroin, was also linked to an overdose death in Augusta. His sentence includes a $2,500 fine and five years of supervised release after his prison term.

Wheatley’s downfall began with Operation Wheat Fields, an investigation that traced illegal drugs from Mexico through Atlanta to Augusta. His sentencing is the latest chapter in a federal probe that has so far led to multiple arrests, searches, and charges against eight individuals, including Wheatley.

In addition to Wheatley, six co-defendants were indicted in USA v. Wheatley et. al. Two have been sentenced, three await their sentences, and one awaits further court proceedings. Another related case, USA v. Fields et. al., has named ten additional defendants, with one entering a guilty plea.

Law enforcement officials from various agencies, including the ATF and DEA, expressed their commitment to dismantling such criminal organizations, emphasizing that they deliver ‘misery and death’ to communities.

The case was investigated by several local and federal law enforcement partners and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patricia G. Rhodes of the Southern District of Georgia.