Federal Indictment Unsealed: Eleven Defendants Charged in Widespread Drug Trafficking Conspiracy Across Georgia Counties

Eleven defendants are now facing multiple federal charges after the unsealing of an indictment alleging a regional drug trafficking conspiracy across Bulloch, Chatham, and Liberty counties. The defendants, named in USA v. Johnson, et al., face a primary charge of Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute, and to Distribute, Cocaine, Crack Cocaine, Fentanyl, Methamphetamine, Oxycodone, and Marijuana, which carries a potential life sentence and substantial financial penalties.

“This drug trafficking investigation required significant coordination from multiple federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to identify and interrupt the conspiracy,” said Jill E. Steinberg, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. “We commend the hard work of our law enforcement partners in protecting our community.”

The investigation, part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF), involved extensive searches of residences, vehicles, and “trap houses” linked to the suspects, resulting in the seizure of large quantities of drugs and 11 firearms. Ten of the defendants are in custody, while Israel Grant, 42, of Claxton, remains a fugitive. Authorities ask anyone with information on Grant’s whereabouts to contact the DEA Savannah Resident Office at 912-210-2944.

Charged with conspiracy in USA v. Johnson, et al. are:

• William Johnson, a/k/a “G,” 36, Hinesville, Ga.
• Keannon Wyckoff, a/k/a “Cuz,” 41, Statesboro
• Thomas Blagmon, 40, Hinesville
• James Blagmon, a/k/a “G-Man,” 41, Allenhurst, Ga.
• Erick Collins, a/k/a “Big E,” 53, Statesboro
• Christopher Grant, a/k/a “Scrappy,” 36, Hinesville
• Antwuan Byrd, 39, Midway, Ga.
• Dederick Bryant, 45, Ludowici, Ga.
• Jacob Robinson, a/k/a “Miles,” 48, Hinesville
• Irma Wyckoff, a/k/a “Auntie,” 60, Hinesville

The OCDETF approach brings together federal agencies including the DEA and ATF, with assistance from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Georgia Ports Authority Police, Customs and Border Protection, Homeland Security Investigations, and several local law enforcement agencies. The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Makeia R. Jonese and Assistant U.S. Attorney Marcela C. Mateo.