Peter D. Leary, U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia
Calvin James Smith, Sr., also known as "Rollo," was found guilty on all 23 charges against him in a federal trial in Valdosta, Georgia. The charges included conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, distribution of methamphetamine and cocaine base, possession with intent to distribute marijuana, and possession of firearms related to drug trafficking. Smith, 56, faces a potential life sentence.
Two co-conspirators were also convicted. Bobby Leon Kaiser, 54, was found guilty on nine counts including conspiracy and distribution of methamphetamine and cocaine base. Vernardo Henley, 44, was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. Both men face possible life sentences.
The trial lasted over two weeks and concluded under the supervision of Senior U.S. District Judge W. Louis Sands. Sentencing dates have not been set.
Acting U.S. Attorney C. Shanelle Booker emphasized the collaborative effort among law enforcement agencies: “Federal, state and local law enforcement marshaled significant resources to stop the distribution of a large amount of deadly illegal drugs from a small town in South Georgia."
FBI Atlanta Supervisory Senior Resident Agent Rich Bilson remarked on the investigation's success: “The success of this large-scale investigation... demonstrates the FBI’s commitment to fighting the drug trafficking organizations responsible for driving addiction.”
GBI Director Chris Hosey commented on the verdict: "Today’s verdict sends a clear message that criminal organizations operating in Georgia... will be held accountable."
Hahira Police Chief Stryde Jones highlighted inter-agency cooperation: "Investigations and prosecutions like this one are great examples of the ongoing effort between local agencies and our federal partners."
Court documents revealed that the FBI began investigating Smith's organization in December 2020. Agents discovered an open drug market operated by Kaiser in Adel, Georgia. Wiretaps recorded attempts by Henley to purchase large quantities of methamphetamine after his release from prison.
Search warrants executed on November 10, 2022 led to seizures including methamphetamine, cocaine variants, fentanyl, marijuana, and firearms across multiple locations used by the organization.
Smith has an extensive criminal record involving aggravated assault and firearm offenses; Henley has previous convictions for drug-related crimes; Kaiser has prior felony convictions including false imprisonment.
The case was investigated by multiple agencies including the FBI and GBI with support from local police departments.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Monica Daniels and Robert McCullers are leading prosecution efforts for this case.