Federal Investigation Uncovers Massive Methamphetamine Trafficking Operation in Washington, Ga.
AUGUSTA, GA – A multi-agency investigation has led to the indictment of 21 defendants in a massive methamphetamine trafficking operation in the Washington, Ga. area.
Operation Wynner Storm, initiated by the Wilkes County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI Safe Streets Task Force, targeted gang-related drug trafficking in the Wilkes, Lincoln and McDuffie County areas north of Augusta.
At the center of the conspiracy is Exjaben Demontaz Hardman, a/k/a “Zay,” 42, of Washington, Ga., who faces charges of Conspiracy to Distribute and to Possess with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine, Cocaine, and Marijuana; Using or Maintaining a Drug Premises; and 24 counts of Use of Communication Facility.
Other defendants include Sherman Redzuees Blackmon, a/k/a “Shorty P,” 42, of Washington, charged with Conspiracy to Distribute and to Possess with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine, Cocaine, and Marijuana; and Paul Mickel McKittrick, a/k/a “Mike,” 40, of Washington, charged with Conspiracy to Distribute and to Possess with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine, Cocaine, and Marijuana; Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime; and 12 counts of Use of Communication Facility.
The indictment carries a statutory penalty of 10 years to life in federal prison and fines of up to $10 million, followed by not less than five years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
A statement from Acting U.S. Attorney David H. Estes praised the collaborative effort between law enforcement agencies, saying, “A collaborative effort with our law enforcement partners is the key to combatting large drug trafficking organizations.”
The investigation, which began in April 2019, has resulted in the forfeiture of eight guns seized during the operation. An additional 18 defendants are being prosecuted on state charges related to the investigation.
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Key Facts
- State: Georgia
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime|Sex Crimes|Cybercrime|Public Corruption|Weapons|Human Trafficking|White Collar Crime|Organized Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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