Woodbury Man Serving Life Sentence for Armed Bank Robberies Sentenced to Additional 14 Years for Firearms and Drug Trafficking

Howatdrick Jamal Jones, 32, of Woodbury, Georgia, was sentenced to 175 months in federal prison on December 17, 2024, for firearms and drug trafficking charges. The sentence, handed down by U.S. District Judge Clay Land, will run concurrently with the life sentence Jones is already serving in state prison. Upon release, he will also serve five years of supervised release.

Jones was convicted during a bench trial on September 23, 2024, on charges of possession of cocaine base with intent to distribute, possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Federal sentences do not allow parole.

Jones was already serving a life sentence for armed bank robberies. On September 18, 2020, he robbed the First Bank of Pike in Concord, Georgia, stealing $4,100. He has also been implicated in a bank robbery in Meriwether County.

The latest charges stem from an October 16, 2019, traffic stop conducted by the Waverly Hall Police Department. The officer’s automatic license plate reader flagged Jones’ vehicle due to outstanding warrants. During the stop, the officer detected the smell of marijuana and searched the vehicle, finding cocaine, a digital scale, a razor blade, and a .45 caliber pistol in Jones’ possession. As a convicted felon, Jones was prohibited from possessing firearms.

“This case demonstrates the resolve of the DEA to hold violent drug traffickers accountable,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Robert J. Murphy.

U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary highlighted the importance of holding violent reoffenders accountable, adding, “This case is a testament to the ongoing collaboration with our law enforcement partners at every level.”

The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Waverly Hall Police Department, with assistance from the FBI and the Harris County Sheriff’s Office.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Williams and Crawford Seals prosecuted the case.