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Defendants Sentenced for Armed Drug Trafficking in Columbus, GA
Ten men have been sentenced for their roles in a large-scale armed drug trafficking organization based in Columbus, Georgia.
The prosecution stemmed from Operation Sweet Silence, a multi-agency investigation into drug trafficking in the Columbus area. As part of the investigation, law enforcement recovered firearms, multiple pounds of methamphetamine, cocaine, 232 pounds of marijuana, and $29,000 in cash.
Collectively, the sentencings imposed by the court between Aug. 6, 2025, and Jan. 14, 2026, equated to more than 108 years in prison.
The defendants were key players in an armed drug trafficking organization led by Tommie Mullins, Jr., who was part of the violent Zohannon criminal street gang. Over the course of the conspiracy, Mullins and the drug trafficking organization distributed vast amounts of methamphetamine, cocaine, and marijuana.
The court sentenced the defendants to the following penalties in prison:
Tommie Mullins Jr., 31, was sentenced to 20 years in prison on Feb. 10, 2026; Trenton Clemons, 48, was sentenced to 25 years in prison on Oct. 7, 2025; Anthony Champion, 46, was sentenced to seven years and three months in prison on Aug. 6, 2025; Corey Turner, 33, was sentenced to 20 years in prison on Oct. 7, 2025; Adrian Palmer, 25, was sentenced to 14 years in prison on Oct. 7, 2025; Trenton Thomas, 25, was sentenced to 11 years and three months in prison on Oct. 7, 2025; Javonta Paden, 25, was sentenced to five years and 11 months in prison on Aug. 6, 2025; Christopher Hill, 36, was sentenced to two years in prison on Dec. 17, 2025; Adrian Pleasants, 29, was sentenced to one year and eight months in prison on Aug. 6, 2025; and Darius Jenkins, 24, was sentenced to one year and six months in prison on Oct. 7, 2025.
The sentencing reflects the severe consequences for those who choose to fuel this deadly trade, said Acting Special Agent in Charge Peter Ellis of the FBI Atlanta Field Office.
Drug trafficking organizations don’t just deal drugs — they bring guns, violence, and instability into our neighborhoods, said Special Agent in Charge Jae W. Chung of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Atlanta Field Division.
The Justice Department will continue holding those who engage in the armed drug trade to account and ensure safety for our law-abiding citizens and families, said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division.
Key Facts
- State: Georgia
- Category: Organized Crime|Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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