Leader of Middle Georgia Armed Methamphetamine Trafficking Ring Sentenced to 28 Years

Julian Derwayne Coker, 44, the leader of an armed drug trafficking organization operating in Middle Georgia, has been sentenced to 28 years in federal prison for supplying large quantities of methamphetamine in the community. U.S. District Judge Marc T. Treadwell handed down the sentence of 336 months, followed by ten years of supervised release and a $10,000 fine, on April 2. Coker, also known as “Red” and “Bread Red,” had previously pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine on October 22, 2024. There is no parole in the federal system.

Acting U.S. Attorney C. Shanelle Booker emphasized the danger posed by such organizations, stating, “Armed drug trafficking organizations endanger the safety of our communities. This case demonstrates the collaboration between law enforcement at all levels to dismantle criminal organizations and hold their members accountable.”

FBI Atlanta Special Agent in Charge Paul Brown added, “The streets are safer, and Georgians can sleep a little easier knowing that the leader of this drug trafficking organization is locked up and his days of peddling drugs in our community are over. The FBI remains committed to combatting drug trafficking and taking armed violent criminals off the streets through joint efforts with our law enforcement partners.”

GBI Director Chris Hosey echoed this sentiment, saying, “Drug trafficking organizations disrupt society and poison our communities with violence and illegal drugs. Their actions threaten the safety of the citizens of Georgia, and the GBI and our partners will not allow these organizations to go unchecked. This case is an example of this commitment to protect the communities of Georgia and hold criminals accountable.”

Nine other codefendants have already been sentenced in connection with this case, with prison terms ranging from 12 months to 135 months. Three remaining codefendants have pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing on May 13.

The FBI investigation into Coker’s drug trafficking organization began in 2022 and involved multiple controlled methamphetamine purchases from Coker and Rodney Sentell Hardin, along with other investigative measures, including wiretaps. Agents executed multiple search warrants on November 15, 2022, including at Coker’s residence, where they discovered significant quantities of methamphetamine in pill and crystal form, along with a 9mm pistol and over $13,000 in cash. Coker’s organization is estimated to be responsible for distributing dozens of kilograms of methamphetamine. Coker has a prior federal drug distribution conviction.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide Department of Justice initiative targeting illegal immigration, cartels, transnational criminal organizations, and violent crime. The investigation was a joint effort by the FBI and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), with Assistant U.S. Attorney Joy Odom serving as the prosecutor.