Six Augusta-Area Defendants Sentenced to Federal Prison for Methamphetamine Trafficking
Six defendants involved in a methamphetamine trafficking operation in the Augusta area have been sentenced to federal prison following their guilty pleas. The sentences were handed down in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Georgia.
James Andrew McPherson, 30, of Hephzibah, Georgia, received the longest sentence of 188 months in prison. McPherson, who served as the lead defendant, pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Methamphetamine. He was also ordered to serve three years of supervised release following his prison term.
According to court documents, McPherson led a drug trafficking conspiracy that involved transporting high-purity methamphetamine from Atlanta for distribution in Richmond, Columbia, and Burke counties. He utilized couriers, including his mother, to facilitate the drug transfers and then redistributed the methamphetamine in smaller quantities.
Other defendants sentenced include:
- Brandon Wayne Johnson, 43, of Hephzibah, sentenced to 87 months for Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.
- Marcus Smith, 32, of Augusta, also known as “Smoke,” sentenced to 151 months for Distribution of Methamphetamine.
- Leslie Helinski, 54, of Augusta, McPherson’s mother, sentenced to 130 months for Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.
- Tony Watson, 49, of Conover, North Carolina, sentenced to 120 months for Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.
- Charity Porter, 25, of Augusta, sentenced to 37 months for Distribution of Methamphetamine.
All defendants face their sentences without the possibility of parole under federal law.
The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) with support from the Georgia State Patrol, Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, Burke County Sheriff’s Office, and McDuffie County Sheriff’s Office. The prosecution was led by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Z. Spitulnik.
Robert J. Murphy, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Division, emphasized the significant threat posed by the drug trafficking operation and the importance of holding those accountable for their actions.
