U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary | U.S. Department of Justice
A Columbus resident, Quantay Thomas, has been sentenced to over 14 years in federal prison for distributing methamphetamine. The sentencing took place on December 17, with U.S. District Judge Clay Land presiding. Thomas, aged 40, will also undergo three years of supervised release following his prison term. He had previously pleaded guilty to one count of methamphetamine distribution on August 20.
U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary emphasized the commitment to holding repeat offenders accountable: “Repeat armed offenders will be held accountable for crimes which perpetuate violence in the Columbus community.” Special Agent Robert J. Murphy from the DEA Atlanta Division described Thomas as a "dangerous career criminal," adding that the sentence reflects the negative impact of his drug distribution activities.
Muscogee County Sheriff Greg Countryman highlighted ongoing efforts to combat drug activity and violent crime: "We must keep up the good fight in removing drug activity and violent offenders from our community." Harris County Sheriff Mike Jolley praised the collaborative effort among law enforcement agencies: “This is a prime example of multi agencies working together to accomplish the mission.”
The investigation into Thomas began in 2019 when DEA agents conducted controlled buys of methamphetamine from him at a gas station in Columbus. A search warrant executed on November 29, 2023, led to his arrest and discovery of a loaded Glock .45 caliber pistol and three bags containing methamphetamine at his residence.
Thomas has prior convictions for aggravated assault, illegal firearm possession, and drug distribution in Muscogee County Superior Court. The case was investigated by multiple agencies including the DEA, Muscogee County Sheriff's Office, Harris County Sheriff's Office, with support from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Williams and Crawford Seals prosecuted this case for the government.
