Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced that members of a major methamphetamine trafficking organization have been sentenced. On Jan. 16, 2014, Shawn Foster Phillips, age 35, of Houston County, Chad Minter, age 40, of Houston County, Marty Bass, age 51, of Houston County, entered guilty pleas to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Travis Walker McElhenny, age 40, of Houston County, pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Jon Rylander, age 28, of Houston County, pled guilty to possession of methamphetamine.
As a part of their guilty pleas, the respective defendants admitted that between Jan. 1, 2011 and Dec. 31, 2012, Mr. Phillips traveled from Warner Robins, Georgia, to Atlanta, Georgia, to obtain methamphetamine from a Mexican drug supplier. The drugs were transported by Mr. Phillips from Atlanta to Warner Robins where they were sold to Mr. Minter, Mr. Bass, Mr. McElhenny and others in the Warner Robins area. These men then sold the methamphetamine to street level dealers. Conservative estimates suggest that during its operation, the organization distributed more than 50 kilograms of methamphetamine. Federal and state authorities seized 250 grams of methamphetamine and three firearms.
The case was called for sentencing on May 7, 2014, before U.S. District Judge Marc T. Treadwell. Chad Minter was sentenced to 10 years confinement. Travis McElhenny was sentenced to 7 years confinement. Marty Bass was sentenced to 15 years confinement. Jon Rylander was sentenced to 3 years probation. Sentencing on the remaining defendants has not yet been set.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Marshals Service, and Houston County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles L. Calhoun is prosecuting the case.
US Attorney Michael Moore stated, “My office will continue to target and dismantle these types of drug trafficking organizations. Methamphetamine use and distribution poses a significant threat to the public and must be vigorously prosecuted."
Inquiries regarding the case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, United States Attorney's Office at (478) 621-2603.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
