Augusta, GA: Ricky Lee Kennedy, 32, of Augusta, Georgia, was sentenced earlier this week by United States District Court Judge J. Randal Hall to 20 years in prison for possessing with the intent to distribute methamphetamine. There is no parole in the federal system.
Evidence presented during Kennedy’s guilty plea and sentencing hearings revealed that on July 29, 2014, Columbia County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) received information that Kennedy would be bringing methamphetamine from Atlanta to the Columbia County area for distribution. CCSO Investigators surveilled Kennedy returning to Columbia County and, with the assistance of the Harlem Police Department, Kennedy was stopped. A drug-canine alerted on Kennedy’s vehicle where over 400 grams of pure methamphetamine and two loaded firearms were found. Kennedy had two prior serious drug convictions.
Kennedy’s case was prosecuted as part of Project Ceasefire, a joint firearms initiative of the U. S. Attorney’s Office, the ATF, and local law enforcement agencies. Project Ceasefire is a cooperative effort between federal and local law enforcement agencies to combat gun crime by targeting violent felons and drug dealers who illegally possess firearms and narcotics.
Kennedy’s case was investigated by the CCSO and the ATF. Assistant United States Attorney Nancy C. Greenwood prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States. For additional information, please contact First Assistant United States Attorney James D. Durham at (912) 201‑2547.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
