Albany Felons Sentenced in Meth Trafficking Cases Tied to Guns and Cartel Links
Two Albany residents with prior felony convictions received federal prison sentences this week in separate cases tied to methamphetamine trafficking and firearms violations in Southwest Georgia.
Strickland Case: Gang Ties and Cartel Connections
Wallace Eric Strickland, 40, of Albany, was sentenced to 286 months (23+ years) in prison followed by ten years of supervised release on November 21, 2024, after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
On February 24, 2022, Americus Police officers stopped a vehicle carrying Strickland and co-defendant Ryan Farr. A search revealed 153 grams of 94% pure methamphetamine, other controlled substances, and firearms. Following his arrest, Strickland made jailhouse calls instructing a co-defendant to delete evidence from his Facebook account and revealed ties to a Mexican drug cartel.
Investigations uncovered a larger conspiracy, with Strickland and his associates distributing methamphetamine sourced from cartel suppliers. Even while incarcerated for a parole violation, Strickland continued coordinating drug distribution using contraband cellphones.
Strickland’s criminal history includes prior felony convictions for methamphetamine distribution and gang affiliation with the Gangster Disciples.
Two co-defendants have already been sentenced:
- Aryn Brittany Jones, 31, of Leesburg: Sentenced to 120 months (10 years) in prison and five years of supervised release.
- Ryan Daniel Farr, 33, of Leesburg: Sentenced to 70 months (5 years, 10 months) in prison and three years of supervised release.
Another co-defendant, Niki Lynn Crabtree-Booth, 31, of Albany, awaits sentencing on December 19, 2024.
Grant Case: Armed Trafficking in Albany
Tanaka “Knock-Off” Grant, 39, of Albany, was sentenced to 120 months (10 years) in prison followed by five years of supervised release on November 22, 2024, after pleading guilty to methamphetamine distribution.
In 2022, law enforcement used a confidential informant to purchase approximately 100 grams of methamphetamine from Grant. He was arrested at the Araamda Inn in Albany on April 18, 2023, carrying a fully loaded Glock 19 handgun with an extended magazine, methamphetamine, and drug paraphernalia.
Grant’s criminal history includes multiple felony drug convictions and a burglary conviction.
Law Enforcement Statements
U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary emphasized the dangers of armed methamphetamine trafficking, stating, “Both cases exemplify interagency cooperation to hold dangerous individuals accountable and protect our communities.”
DEA Special Agent in Charge Robert J. Murphy called Strickland “a dangerous individual,” noting his continued trafficking activities even while imprisoned.
GBI Director Chris Hosey affirmed the agency’s commitment to ensuring traffickers face the full consequences of their actions.
Strickland’s case was investigated by the DEA, GBI, and Americus Police Department with assistance from the ATF. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Redavid prosecuted the case.
Grant’s case was investigated by the DEA and GBI with assistance from the ATF. Assistant U.S. Attorney Veronica Hansis prosecuted the case.
Both cases highlight ongoing federal efforts to dismantle drug trafficking operations in Southwest Georgia.
