Michael Duffy, Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Heroin, Georgia 2021

Grimy Times reported that Michael Duffy, a 43-year-old resident of Sandy Springs, Georgia, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin in federal court. This move comes after a three-month investigation by federal and local law enforcement into the heroin distribution ring operating between Atlanta and Macon.

According to the investigation, Duffy was the primary supplier of the heroin distribution ring, funneling up to 30,000 doses of heroin into the region over a three-month span. The investigation revealed that co-defendants would travel to metro-Atlanta to purchase heroin from Duffy, with each trip resulting in the purchase of 142 grams of heroin, enough to provide more than 1,000 doses.

The following co-defendants have previously pleaded guilty for their crimes in federal court and have been sentenced: Chad Bresach, Reginald Summerford, Courtney Dews, Patrick Dews, and Kathy Black. Bresach was sentenced to serve 84 months in prison, Summerford to 80 months, Courtney Dews to 48 months, Patrick Dews to 20 months, and Kathy Black to 18 months.

The investigation began in December 2017, following the arrest of a heroin dealer in Macon. Federal and local law enforcement conducted a wiretap investigation that led to the discovery of Duffy being the source of heroin supply. Duffy faces a maximum 20 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine. The U.S. District Judge presiding over the hearings is Marc Treadwell, with no parole available in the federal system.

“Law enforcement successfully stopped what was a steady flow of heroin from an Atlanta-based supplier into the Macon community, undoubtedly saving lives,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Individuals will face the possibility of federal prosecution when found trafficking large quantities of illegal drugs into the Middle District of Georgia.”

“With the arrest of Duffy, the head of the snake was cut off of this major heroin pipeline that ran from Atlanta to Middle Georgia,” said Chris Hacker, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “As the source of the operation, Duffy fueled an epidemic and wreaked havoc in many communities. Now he faces many years in prison for the damage he has caused.”

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