Six Sentenced in Rome, Georgia, Drug Trafficking Ring; Fugitive Remains at Large

Federal authorities have sentenced six individuals for their involvement in a drug trafficking organization that distributed heroin, methamphetamine, cocaine, and oxycodone in Rome, Georgia.

Investigation Uncovered Trafficking Operation

In 2021, the DEA and Atlanta-Carolinas High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force identified Julio Martinez-Guzman as the leader of a drug distribution network operating from two residences in Rome. Agents tracked his suppliers and customers, revealing a widespread operation distributing illegal narcotics across North Georgia. Martinez-Guzman had a prior conviction for drug trafficking in the Northern District of Georgia.

Sentences Handed Down

The following individuals received prison sentences after pleading guilty to drug trafficking charges:

Adrian Robinson, 42, of Cedartown, GA: Six years in prison followed by three years of supervised release for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Julio Martinez-Guzman, 54, of Rome, GA: 20 years in prison followed by five years of supervised release for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, cocaine, oxycodone, and heroin.
Jesse Willard Brooks, 41, of Rome, GA: Eight years, four months in prison followed by five years of supervised release for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
James Carden, 42, of Villa Rica, GA: Five years, three months in prison followed by five years of supervised release for conspiracy to distribute heroin and methamphetamine.
Reginal Eric Dowdy, 46, of Cedar Bluff, AL: Three years, ten months in prison followed by five years of supervised release for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Casanova DePaul Pritchett, 53, of Calhoun, GA: Two years, six months in prison followed by five years of supervised release for conspiracy to distribute cocaine and oxycodone.

Fugitive Still Sought

Authorities continue to search for Abel Santoyo-Santana, 26, of Mexico, who remains a fugitive. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is urged to contact local law enforcement.

Collaborative Effort

The case involved multiple agencies, including the DEA, North Georgia HIDTA Task Force, and the ATF, with support from local law enforcement agencies in Floyd, Polk, and Whitfield counties.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy M. Palumbo prosecuted the case.