Ryan K. Buchanan, U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia
Fourteen individuals have been sentenced to federal prison for their roles in a drug trafficking operation based within a Georgia prison. The group was involved in distributing methamphetamine and heroin throughout the metro Atlanta area.
Acting U.S. Attorney Richard S. Moultrie, Jr. highlighted the severity of the situation, stating, “Several of the defendants even continued their criminal activity by orchestrating drug transactions from prison, posing a serious risk to public safety.” He emphasized that these sentences demonstrate the commitment of law enforcement agencies at all levels to combat drug distribution.
Jae W. Chung, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Division, remarked on the impact of the organization: “These sentences reflect the destructive impact on the community caused by this drug trafficking organization.” He further assured that those distributing dangerous drugs would be held accountable by DEA efforts.
The investigation began in January 2018 when DEA agents discovered that inmates Jesus Garcia-Gutierez and Miguel Elorza were using contraband cellphones at Jenkins Correctional Center to organize drug deals outside prison walls. Their activities included coordinating with individuals outside to distribute methamphetamine and heroin across Atlanta.
Notable incidents include a May 24, 2018 event where Garcia-Gutierez arranged for David Crider, Jr. to receive methamphetamine in Atlanta; Crider was subsequently stopped by Georgia State Patrol (GSP) troopers who seized the drugs. Other significant operations involved Anthony Bernard Jordan organizing trips for associates to collect drugs from dealers and Christopher Butler attempting a sale that was intercepted by law enforcement.
Overall, the group was responsible for distributing 14 kilograms of methamphetamine and 860 grams of heroin in Northern Georgia. All defendants pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges related to drug distribution.
Sentences ranged from over fifteen years for leaders like Garcia-Gutierez down to just over one year for other participants such as Joseph Brown. These sentences were handed down by U.S. District Judge Amy Totenberg.
The case saw collaboration between several agencies including DEA, Georgia Bureau of Investigation, and local law enforcement offices such as Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and Richmond County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Bethany L. Rupert led prosecution efforts alongside former Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas Joy.
For more information about this case or others handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for Northern District of Georgia, contact their Public Affairs Office or visit their website listed above.
