Juan Perez-Maldonado and Francisco Garcia Gomez, both undocumented immigrants from Mexico, appeared in federal court on June 4, 2025. They face charges of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Additionally, Garcia Gomez and another Mexican national, Filemon Hernandez-Jijon, were charged with possession of a firearm by an alien unlawfully present in the United States.
U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg stated, "Our law enforcement partners worked swiftly to disrupt a suburban drug lab, seize numerous firearms, and arrest two illegal aliens allegedly responsible for manufacturing and distributing methamphetamine." He emphasized that those involved in drug trafficking would be prosecuted promptly.
Jae W. Chung from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) highlighted their commitment to safety: "DEA remains focused on keeping America safe and protecting the homeland from by removing dangerous drugs from our communities and bringing criminals to justice."
According to U.S. Attorney Hertzberg's office, DEA agents observed Hernandez-Jijon allegedly supplying two kilograms of methamphetamine in Smyrna, Georgia on June 3, 2025. The agents later executed a search warrant at a mobile home in Marietta where they found Perez-Maldonado and Garcia Gomez along with an active methamphetamine lab and firearms.
A subsequent search at an apartment in Smyrna uncovered additional weapons and identification linked to Perez-Maldonado. It was also revealed that both Perez-Maldonado and Hernandez-Jijon had been deported previously.
Hernandez-Jijon is currently at large. Authorities urge anyone with information about his whereabouts to contact local law enforcement.
The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt at trial. The case is being investigated by the DEA with support from local narcotics units.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy Schwarzl and Assistant U.S. Attorney Rebeca M. Ojeda are leading the prosecution under Operation Take Back America—a Department of Justice initiative against illegal immigration and organized crime.
For more information or inquiries about this case, contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office via email or phone as provided above.
