Jorge Martinez-Arellano, also known as Jorge DeLeon Garcia, was indicted on March 24 and appeared in federal court on April 22 following his arrest in Rabun County, Georgia. Authorities said Martinez-Arellano, a Mexican national with prior convictions and multiple deportations, was found with a firearm and approximately 300 grams of methamphetamine during a November 30 traffic stop.
The case highlights ongoing efforts by federal and local law enforcement to address drug trafficking and gun violence in the region. The U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia prioritizes prosecution of threats such as terrorism, human trafficking, and civil rights violations to serve the community, according to the official website.
U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg said, “Despite having been deported numerous times, Martinez-Arellano allegedly returned to our country illegally and resumed trafficking drugs. His alleged conduct posed grave danger to the public and demonstrated utter contempt for our laws. Thankfully, strong partnerships between federal and local law enforcement led to the apprehension of a career criminal and confiscation of his poison.”
Steven N. Schrank, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Georgia and Alabama said: “Removing dangerous criminals from our communities is at the heart of Homeland Security Investigations’ mission. The arrest of Martinez-Arellano... demonstrates our commitment to protecting our community from the threat of drugs and gun violence.” Assistant Special Agent in Charge Ryan Todd added that this case shows continued focus on stopping those who endanger communities.
According to U.S. Attorney Hertzberg’s office—the principal federal law enforcement agency for northern Georgia—Martinez-Arellano’s charges include possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon or illegal alien, possession of a firearm during drug trafficking crimes, as well as illegal reentry for at least the fourth time.
Rabun County Sheriff Mark Gerrells credited deputies’ alertness during the stop: “What started as a traffic stop turned into taking drugs, a gun, and a repeat offender off our streets... This is the kind of work we’re doing every day to keep Rabun County safe.”
The Northern District covers about 7.5 million residents across north Georgia mountains through Atlanta suburbs up to borders with Alabama and Carolinas; it enforces federal criminal laws while collaborating with other agencies nationwide or internationally according to its official website.
Martinez-Arellano remains remanded without bail pending trial; he faces at least fifteen years’ imprisonment if convicted—with possible life sentence due to his record.
