Usoro E. McWhorter, who has eight prior felony convictions, was sentenced on May 6 to 10 years in federal prison for conspiring to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl. His accomplice, Omari Nicks, received a sentence of more than 12 years last year on similar charges.
The case highlights ongoing efforts by federal and local law enforcement agencies to combat drug trafficking and address the impact of fentanyl and other controlled substances in communities across north Georgia. The U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia serves as the principal federal law enforcement agency in the region and prioritizes prosecution of threats such as terrorism, human trafficking, civil rights violations, and major drug offenses while collaborating with law enforcement partners to protect public safety and serve approximately 7.5 million residents across north Georgia mountains, Atlanta suburbs, and borders with Alabama and the Carolinas according to the official website.
“This serial convicted felon sold deadly quantities of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and other drugs from an Atlanta apartment and dumped heroin out of a window in a failed attempt to evade seizure by law enforcement,” said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. “McWhorter’s and Nicks’s lengthy sentences are the result of close collaboration between federal and local law enforcement officers committed to aggressive prosecutions of drug traffickers in north Georgia.”
Jae W. Chung, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division said: “An individual with eight prior convictions who continues to traffic drugs demonstrates a clear disregard for the law and for human life... Together we remain committed to removing repeat offenders who threaten the safety and well-being of our communities.” Major Mark Mayton from Bartow-Cartersville Drug Task Force said: “The recent federal conviction ... underscores the devastating impact this drug continues to have on our communities... We remain dedicated to working with our partners...” Chief Kevin Cloninger from Cartersville Police Department added that "this collaborative effort created a true local impact by dismantling an illicit pipeline of drugs and firearms into not only our community but all ... these defendants sought to exploit.”
According to information presented during court proceedings: In January 2025 Omari Nicks was selling methamphetamine and fentanyl from his Atlanta apartment while McWhorter acted as lookout; both were arrested after agents entered their apartment following surveillance activities. Law enforcement recovered significant quantities of illegal drugs along with cash proceeds and firearms at that location.
This case was investigated by multiple agencies including Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Bartow-Cartersville Drug Task Force, Cartersville Police Department; it is part of Operation Take Back America—a nationwide initiative involving coordination between various agencies on cases with national or international dimensions according to the official website. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Calvin A. Leipold III & Thomas M. Forsyth III prosecuted.
The U.S Attorney’s Office encourages parents & children seeking information about dangers associated with drugs visit www.justthinktwice.gov.
