Michael Ferrell Price, known as “Cheese,” has been sentenced to more than seven years in federal prison for trafficking methamphetamine and possessing firearms and explosive devices in Cherokee County, Georgia. According to court records, Price operated from a shed where he stored over 150 firearms—including machineguns, silencers, and explosive devices—while running an illegal moonshine still nearby.
“Price posed a clear danger to the community by selling methamphetamine and distilling moonshine while maintaining an illegal stash of explosive devices and more than 150 firearms,” said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. “Thanks to the collaboration of federal agents and local law enforcement, Price has been brought to justice for his crimes.”
ATF Assistant Special Agent in Charge Beau Kolodka highlighted the cooperation between agencies: “This case demonstrates the results we achieve when federal, state, and local law enforcement work hand-in-hand. By combining resources and expertise, we were able to dismantle a criminal operation that threatened both public safety and the rule of law.”
Major Walter Jones, Director of Drug Enforcement-Cherokee Multi-Agency Narcotics Squad, commented on the risks involved: “Stockpiling weapons while trafficking drugs is a recipe for tragedy. Price’s sentencing should make clear that those who choose that path will face serious consequences.”
Authorities began investigating Price in September 2024 after learning he was distributing methamphetamine from his mother’s home in eastern Cherokee County. When officers searched the property on October 22, 2024, they found more than three ounces of high-purity crystal methamphetamine, several gallons of homemade moonshine, dozens of illegal explosive devices, and numerous firearms.
Among the recovered weapons were two machineguns, a short-barreled rifle, five firearm silencers, a privately made gun without a serial number, and a stolen revolver. As someone with a history of methamphetamine abuse, Price was prohibited under federal law from possessing any firearms or explosives.
On August 21, 2025, United States District Judge Eleanor L. Ross sentenced Price to 87 months in prison followed by four years of supervised release. He pleaded guilty on May 7, 2025 to possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and possession of a firearm by an unlawful drug user.
The investigation was led by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives along with the Cherokee Multi-Agency Narcotics Squad. The Blue Ridge Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office assisted with the case.
U.S. Attorney Hertzberg prosecuted the case.
For information about drug prevention resources for parents and children visit www.justthinktwice.gov or www.getsmartaboutdrugs.gov.
More details about the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia can be found at http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.
