U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary | U.S. Department of Justice
A resident of Southwest Georgia, Larry Roger Sparks, Jr., has been sentenced to 40 years in federal prison for distributing fentanyl and other drugs while possessing firearms. Chief U.S. District Judge Leslie A. Gardner handed down the sentence on January 3. Sparks will also serve ten years of supervised release following his prison term.
Sparks pleaded guilty to several charges, including distribution of a heroin and fentanyl mixture, methamphetamine distribution, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.
U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary stated, "Fentanyl and guns are a dangerous combination which will not be tolerated by this office or our law enforcement partners." Robert J. Murphy from the DEA Atlanta Division added that incarcerating drug dealers like Sparks could save lives since "fentanyl is the number one killer among Americans aged 18-45."
The investigation into Sparks' activities began in 2023 when an undercover operation by the GBI revealed his involvement in large-scale drug trafficking from his Albany residence where three minors lived. During the investigation, agents made controlled purchases from Sparks before executing a search warrant on May 16 at his home on Pinecrest Drive.
The search resulted in the seizure of significant quantities of drugs: over one kilogram of fentanyl and approximately three kilograms of methamphetamine were found along with firearms including a Sig Sauer 9mm pistol. Additional firearms and cash were discovered when Sparks was arrested during a traffic stop later that day.
GBI Director Chris Hosey emphasized their commitment to combating drug traffickers targeting Georgia communities: "This case serves as an example of our continued efforts."
Sparks has prior convictions for armed robbery and delivery of controlled substances in Michigan as well as cocaine possession with intent to distribute in Georgia's Crisp County.
The case was investigated by multiple agencies including the Worth County Sheriff's Office, Lee County Sheriff's Office, GBI Southwestern Regional Drug Enforcement Office (SWRDEO), and DEA. Criminal Chief Leah McEwen prosecuted for the government.
