38 Sentenced for Roles in Metro-Atlanta Drug Trafficking Operation, Including Prison Inmates
A total of 38 individuals, including several inmates from Georgia state prisons, have been sentenced for their involvement in a major drug trafficking organization responsible for distributing heroin, methamphetamine, and fentanyl throughout the metro-Atlanta area. The organization also laundered drug proceeds to Mexico. These sentences followed a multi-year investigation involving federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.
Acting U.S. Attorney Richard S. Moultrie Jr. praised the dismantling of the operation, describing it as the result of tireless work across multiple agencies. “Our office will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to leverage all resources to identify, apprehend, and prosecute entire networks of offenders responsible for distributing deadly drugs into our communities,” Moultrie said.
According to federal agents, the organization used contraband cell phones to facilitate drug transactions, with prison inmates serving as brokers to arrange shipments from Mexico and other states. These transactions were carried out with the help of individuals on the outside who would store, package, and distribute the drugs. In addition to its drug activities, the group laundered proceeds by sending money to Mexico via local remittance services.
The investigation revealed multiple cases where members of the organization resorted to threats of violence, including an aborted plot to abduct and kill a narcotics dealer. Federal authorities intervened in time to prevent the planned murder.
Throughout the course of the investigation, agents seized over 250 kilograms of methamphetamine, 25 gallons of liquid methamphetamine, over 12,000 fentanyl pills, large quantities of fentanyl powder, heroin, marijuana, and over $450,000 in drug proceeds.
Among those sentenced were high-level prison brokers Jesus Sanchez-Morales and Juan Ramirez, who were both sentenced to 27 years in prison for their roles in the operation. Sanchez-Morales, who pleaded guilty in 2020, was convicted of conspiracy to possess and distribute methamphetamine, heroin, and fentanyl. Ramirez was convicted in July 2024 for trafficking large amounts of fentanyl and methamphetamine.
Other significant convictions include:
- Martin Maldonado (19 years, 7 months in prison)
- Benjamin Villareal Perez (19 years, 7 months in prison)
- Jaime Chavez (17 years in prison)
- Aszavious Anderson (15 years in prison)
Several individuals who were involved in lesser roles, including drug distribution and money laundering, also received sentences ranging from four to 14 years in prison.
Jae W. Chung, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Division, highlighted the scope of the case, saying, “Wherever you operate, if you distribute dangerous drugs, DEA will find you and hold you accountable.”
FBI Special Agent in Charge Sean Burke noted the collaboration among law enforcement agencies in bringing the organization to a halt. “Thirty-eight members of this extensive drug distribution network will spend significant time behind bars where they will no longer be able to plague our community with poison,” Burke said.
The investigation was conducted with the cooperation of federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, including the DEA and FBI, and highlights ongoing efforts to tackle drug trafficking that originates from within prison systems.
