Peter D. Leary, U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia
A man from Leesburg, Georgia, has been sentenced to 12 years in federal prison for distributing methamphetamine. Shaun Anthony Akins, aged 44, received the sentence from Chief U.S. District Judge Leslie Abrams Gardner on January 14. This will be followed by four years of supervised release. Akins had previously pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of methamphetamine on April 24, 2024. The federal system does not allow parole.
Acting U.S. Attorney C. Shanelle Booker stated, "The armed distribution of methamphetamine and other deadly and addictive drugs are the types of cases that are being quickly elevated to the federal level for prosecution." She emphasized the commitment to supporting law enforcement efforts to enhance community safety.
Robert J. Murphy, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Division, commented on Akins' actions: "Shaun Akins valued the profit from his drug trade over the lives of his customers." He assured that those involved in drug sales would be held accountable by the DEA.
GBI Director Chris Hosey highlighted the dedication to dismantling drug trafficking networks: "This sentencing underscores the ongoing commitment of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and our law enforcement partners...this case is a reminder that those who engage in the illegal drug trade will face significant consequences."
Lee County Sheriff Reggie Rachals remarked on the dangers posed by armed methamphetamine trafficking: "Armed methamphetamine trafficking is very dangerous...this case shows that dealers who continue to push illegal drugs in Lee County will wind up spending a lot of time behind bars for their crimes."
The investigation began following multiple citizen complaints about Akins selling methamphetamine from his residence since 2022. A confidential source working with GBI purchased methamphetamine from Akins on several occasions in early 2023. In May 2023, law enforcement conducted surveillance and searches which led to discovering significant quantities of methamphetamine and firearms at Akins' residence.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), and Lee County Sheriff's Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Redavid prosecuted for the government.