Leader of Armed Drug Trafficking Organization and Two Co-Conspirators Convicted in South Georgia

The head of an armed drug trafficking organization (DTO) based in Cook County, Georgia, and two co-conspirators have been found guilty of multiple federal charges following a two-and-a-half-week trial in Valdosta.

Calvin James Smith, Sr., also known as “Rollo,” 56, of Adel, Georgia, was convicted on all 23 charges he faced, including conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, multiple counts of methamphetamine and cocaine distribution, firearm possession by a convicted felon, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Smith faces a maximum sentence of life in prison.

Bobby Leon Kaiser, 54, of Adel, was found guilty on nine of the 12 charges against him, including conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and multiple counts of methamphetamine and cocaine distribution. He also faces a potential life sentence.

Vernardo Henley, 44, of Valdosta, was convicted on one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances and also faces up to life in prison.

The trial, which began on January 13, 2025, concluded on January 29, 2025, with the verdicts announced in U.S. District Court before Senior Judge W. Louis Sands. Sentencing dates will be determined by the court. There is no parole in the federal system.

Acting U.S. Attorney C. Shanelle Booker stated, “Federal, state, and local law enforcement marshaled significant resources to stop the distribution of a large amount of deadly illegal drugs from a small town in South Georgia.”

FBI Atlanta Supervisory Senior Resident Agent Rich Bilson added, “The success of this large-scale investigation and the arrests of these drug dealers demonstrates the FBI’s commitment to fighting drug trafficking organizations responsible for driving addiction and destroying communities.”

According to court documents, the FBI launched an investigation into the DTO in December 2020. Agents determined that Smith and Kaiser were distributing large quantities of methamphetamine, crack cocaine, and marijuana. Kaiser’s gazebo and storage shed in Adel were used as an open drug market, where Smith operated as a major supplier. Henley, released from federal prison on January 20, 2022, was intercepted over wiretap attempting to purchase up to four kilograms of methamphetamine.

Between October 2021 and November 10, 2022, law enforcement used confidential sources and conducted more than 25 controlled purchases of methamphetamine and crack cocaine. Wiretaps revealed 13 locations used by the DTO, leading to search warrants executed on November 10, 2022. Authorities seized over five kilograms of pure methamphetamine, ten pounds of marijuana, several hundred grams of crack cocaine and cocaine, fentanyl, and 15 firearms.

Smith was recorded hundreds of times discussing drug transactions and directing others to distribute drugs. His prior convictions include aggravated assault, firearm possession by a felon, and drug distribution. Henley has multiple convictions, including a 2015 federal case for drug trafficking and firearm possession. Kaiser has previous felony convictions for false imprisonment and drug possession.

The case was investigated by the FBI, Georgia Bureau of Investigation, Hahira Police Department, United States Postal Inspection Service, Cook County Sheriff’s Office, Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office, Adel Police Department, and Moultrie Police Department.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Monica Daniels and Robert McCullers are prosecuting the case.