In Macon, Georgia, Julian Derwayne Coker, known by the aliases "Red" and "Bread Red," has been sentenced to 28 years in prison for leading an armed drug trafficking organization. Coker, a resident of Macon, will also face ten years of supervised release and pay a $10,000 fine following his prison term. U.S. District Judge Marc T. Treadwell imposed the sentence on April 2, 2025, after Coker pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine in October 2024. Federal parole is not an option.
Acting U.S. Attorney C. Shanelle Booker commented, "Armed drug trafficking organizations endanger the safety of our communities." She emphasized the importance of this case in showcasing cooperation between multiple law enforcement agencies to dismantle criminal groups. Paul Brown, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta, asserted, "The streets are safer, and Georgians can sleep a little easier knowing that the leader of this drug trafficking organization is locked up." GBI Director Chris Hosey reinforced the agency's stance against drug trafficking, stating that "the actions of these organizations threaten the safety of the citizens of Georgia."
Several codefendants linked to Coker's organization have also been sentenced. Rodney Sentell Hardin received 11 years and 3 months, Lisa Nanette McNeer received 12 years and 7 months, Cedric Wimbush received 8 years and 10 months, Jonathan Kelly McBride received 8 years, and Melvin Bates received 5 years in prison. Others, including Erin Marie Jones, Fred Roberts, and Carr Dodson, also received sentences earlier this year. Additional defendants, Johnathan Pieri, Mitchell Robinson, and Vanessa Wright, have pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing in May 2025.
The investigation into Coker’s drug trafficking operations began in 2022, led by the FBI and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. During this investigation, authorities carried out controlled purchases and executed search warrants, finding substantial quantities of methamphetamine and a firearm associated with Coker. Coker's organization is attributed with distributing dozens of kilograms of methamphetamine. He also has a previous conviction for controlled substance distribution.
This judicial action is part of "Operation Take Back America," which aims to combat illegal immigration and dismantle cartels and transnational criminal organizations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joy Odom is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government.
