The federal Grand Jury in the Southern District of Georgia returned indictments in July for two Glynn County men on drug distribution and firearms charges, according to a July 21 announcement by Margaret E. “Meg” Heap, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia.
Jonathan Shahaad Ruff, also known as ‘Slaughter,’ 30, has been indicted for five counts of Distribution of 50 grams or more of Methamphetamine. Darnell Lamar Pickens, also 30, faces charges including Distribution of 50 grams or more of Methamphetamine, Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine, and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.
The indictment alleges that Ruff distributed methamphetamine in June and July 2025 in Glynn County. It further alleges that both Ruff and Pickens distributed at least 50 grams of methamphetamine in August 2025 within the county. Additionally, Pickens is alleged to have possessed five grams or more of methamphetamine with intent to distribute in January 2026 while being found in possession of a firearm.
Under federal law, previously convicted felons are prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition. Both defendants face statutory penalties ranging from ten years to life imprisonment if convicted on the charge related to distribution of large quantities of methamphetamine. If convicted on additional charges, Pickens could face up to forty years for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and up to fifteen years for firearm possession as a felon; financial penalties and supervised release terms may also apply.
Criminal indictments contain only charges; defendants are considered innocent unless proven guilty. The case was investigated by multiple agencies including the Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Glynn County Sheriff’s Office, Brunswick Police Department, and other local law enforcement agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lyle J. Burnham II and Marcela C. Mateo are prosecuting the case for the United States.
The U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia prosecutes federal crimes—including those involving drugs and firearms—and manages civil litigation for the United States while operating under the Department of Justice with approximately seventy attorneys and support staff based at its Savannah headquarters and Augusta branch office; it is recognized nationally for successful prosecutions as well as community safety programs such as Project Safe Neighborhoods,according to its official website.