Warner Robins Man Sentenced to 19 Years for Role in Armed Methamphetamine and Fentanyl Trafficking Ring

Travis Warthen, also known by his street name “Trap,” a 40-year-old resident of Warner Robins, Georgia, has been sentenced to 235 months in federal prison—nearly 20 years—for his participation in a methamphetamine and fentanyl trafficking organization that spanned Middle Georgia. Following his prison term, Warthen will be placed on supervised release for five years. There is no parole in the federal system.

Warthen pleaded guilty on September 28, 2023, to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. His sentence was handed down by U.S. District Judge C. Ashley Royal on October 16. Warthen’s sentence far exceeds the mandatory minimum penalties, reflecting the seriousness of his offenses and his history of criminal activity.

Details of the Trafficking Operation

Between October 2021 and June 2022, Warthen operated as part of a large drug trafficking organization (DTO) that was led by Raiford Reeves, a 44-year-old resident of Warner Robins. The DTO was heavily involved in the distribution of methamphetamine and fentanyl across Middle Georgia. Warthen was one of several associates who worked under Reeves, along with Heather Marie Breland, 40, of Atlanta, who was identified as the primary supplier.

Breland, who operated out of a condominium in the affluent Buckhead neighborhood of Atlanta, supplied kilogram quantities of methamphetamine and fentanyl to the DTO. Court documents show that Breland coordinated multiple drug deals with Reeves, who then distributed the narcotics to associates, including Warthen, for further distribution in Middle Georgia. Law enforcement agents were able to intercept phone calls and text messages between Breland, Reeves, and other co-conspirators, in addition to conducting several controlled purchases of methamphetamine from the group.

High-Speed Chase and Arrest

On May 25, 2022, Reeves received a shipment of methamphetamine from Breland in Atlanta and delivered it to Warthen in Warner Robins. After this transaction, agents attempted to initiate a traffic stop on Warthen. Instead of complying, Warthen led law enforcement on a high-speed chase, driving into oncoming traffic at speeds exceeding 100 miles per hour. During the chase, Warthen lost control of his vehicle, which led to a crash. He attempted to flee on foot but was apprehended shortly thereafter.

Upon searching Warthen’s vehicle, agents discovered a stolen 9mm handgun under the front passenger seat. In addition, they found a blue plastic container in the rear floorboard area containing approximately 274.2 grams of methamphetamine. Warthen’s arrest marked the culmination of months of investigative work, as he had been a key player in the DTO’s operations.

Criminal History and Previous Convictions

Warthen’s criminal record includes several prior felony convictions for illegal drug distribution in both state and federal courts. His repeated involvement in large-scale drug trafficking and his use of firearms during these activities made him a significant threat to the community, according to law enforcement officials.

“Travis Warthen is a repeat armed drug trafficker who put the community at additional risk when he dangerously attempted to outrun law enforcement at high speeds, which he’s done before,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Our office and law enforcement partners are committed to dismantling dangerous armed drug trafficking organizations like this one that heighten violent crime in our communities.”

Sentencing of Other Defendants

Several of Warthen’s co-defendants have already been sentenced in connection with this case:

Heather Marie Breland, 40, of Atlanta, received a 240-month (20 years) sentence on August 14 for aiding and abetting the possession of more than 50 grams of methamphetamine.
Raiford Reeves, 44, of Warner Robins, was sentenced to 210 months (17.5 years) in prison on May 15 after pleading guilty to methamphetamine distribution.
Randall Heath, 64, of Macon, received a 100-month (8.3 years) sentence on August 13 after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Jeremiah Kaleta, 47, of Warner Robins, was sentenced to 77 months (over 6 years) in prison on July 23 for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Lucretia Snellgrove, 52, of Warner Robins, was sentenced to 70 months (almost 6 years) in prison on January 24 for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Kendall Howard, 32, of Centerville, Georgia, received 18 months in prison on January 24 for using a communication facility to unlawfully conspire to distribute methamphetamine.
Luis Acosta, 36, of Centerville, was sentenced to time served on January 24 after pleading guilty to using a communication facility to conspire in drug trafficking.
Kenneth Maddox, 32, of Warner Robins, was sentenced to four years of probation on October 16 for using a communication facility to conspire to distribute methamphetamine.

Multi-Agency Investigation and OCDETF Operation

The investigation was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) operation, which aims to disrupt and dismantle high-level criminal organizations. This particular operation involved a collaborative effort between the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), and local law enforcement agencies, including the Warner Robins Police Department, Houston County Sheriff’s Office, Bibb County Sheriff’s Office, and Peach County Sheriff’s Office. The U.S. Marshals Service also provided support.

Deputy Criminal Chief Will Keyes prosecuted the case for the government.