Antonio Pierre Ashmeade, the last of thirteen defendants prosecuted for their roles in a drug trafficking operation run by members of the "Paper Gang Family," was sentenced on May 6 to eighteen years in federal prison. The sentencing marks the conclusion of an investigation by Atlanta’s multi-agency Homeland Security Task Force that dismantled what authorities described as an extensive narcotics distribution ring.
The case is significant due to its scope and the collaborative efforts among federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. The prosecution aimed to disrupt criminal organizations operating within metro-Atlanta and send a clear message regarding the consequences of engaging in large-scale drug trafficking. "This HSTF investigation and federal prosecution disrupted an extensive drug distribution ring run by metro-Atlanta gang members," said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. "The defendants’ lengthy sentences, which must be served without the possibility of parole, demonstrate that the potential financial gains from trafficking dangerous street drugs are not worth the consequences." Hertzberg held the position of United States Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia, according to the official website.
Jae W. Chung, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division, said: "This case is a testament to the strength of our partnerships. Federal, state, and local law enforcement worked side by side to dismantle this organization piece by piece. Today’s sentencing underscores what we can accomplish when we stand united against drug trafficking." According to information presented at trial and during sentencing hearings, investigators observed gang-affiliated individuals conducting open-air drug transactions near schools and public areas beginning in 2019.
Authorities reported seizing approximately 10,000 fentanyl pills, twenty-five kilograms of methamphetamine, twenty kilograms of cocaine, thirty firearms connected with PGF activities during their investigation into narcotics distribution throughout Atlanta neighborhoods. Ashmeade was convicted after a jury trial on December 17 for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine; his sentence will be followed by five years supervised release.
Other defendants received sentences ranging from two years nine months up to fifteen years based on convictions or guilty pleas related primarily to conspiracy or possession with intent to distribute controlled substances as well as firearms offenses tied directly or indirectly with gang activity.
The Drug Enforcement Administration led this case with support from multiple agencies including U.S. Marshals Service; Georgia State Patrol; several county sheriff's offices; police departments across Georgia; and others participating through Homeland Security Task Force operations established under Executive Order 14159 Protecting American People Against Invasion—a partnership targeting organized crime nationwide.
The U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia serves as principal federal law enforcement agency coordinating such cases across north Georgia mountains through metropolitan suburbs along borders with Alabama and Carolinas while prioritizing threats like terrorism or human trafficking according to the official website. Officials recommend parents and children learn about dangers associated with drugs at www.justthinktwice.gov.
