Leader of Major Columbus Drug Trafficking Conspiracy Confesses, Faces 20 Years
A Columbus resident, Tommie Mullins, Jr., 31, also known as “TJ,” “Bo,” and “Mini,” has confessed to leading a significant drug trafficking conspiracy in the community as part of Operation Sweet Silence, a multi-agency law enforcement initiative. Mullins pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess controlled substances with intent to distribute on May 6th and, under a binding plea agreement, will serve 20 years in federal prison followed by ten years of supervised release.
The plea agreement came as the final two of nine co-defendants also entered guilty pleas in federal court late Friday. The nine co-defendants and their charges include:
- Trenton Thomas aka Bubbles, 25: Guilty to conspiracy to possess controlled substances with intent to distribute and two counts of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine (faces a maximum of life imprisonment).
- Trenton Clemons, 48: Guilty to conspiracy to possess controlled substances with intent to distribute and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine (faces a maximum of life imprisonment).
- Adrian Palmer aka AP, 24: Guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine (faces a mandatory minimum of ten years imprisonment).
- Darius Jenkins, 23: Guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine (faces a maximum of 20 years imprisonment).
- Christopher Hill, 36: Guilty to one count of use of a communication facility to facilitate drug felony (faces a maximum of four years imprisonment).
- Corey Turner aka “Lito” aka “Lito Red,” 33: Guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess controlled substances with intent to distribute (faces a mandatory minimum of ten years up to a maximum of life imprisonment).
- Anthony Champion, 45: Guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine (faces a maximum of 20 years imprisonment).
- Javonta Paden, 24: Guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute marijuana (faces a maximum of 20 years imprisonment).
- Adrian Pleasants, 29: Guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute marijuana (faces a maximum of 20 years imprisonment).
The sentencing for Mullins and his co-defendants is scheduled for August 7th. There is no parole in the federal system.
Acting U.S. Attorney C. Shanelle Booker emphasized the threat posed by armed criminal organizations involved in drug trafficking and the dedication of law enforcement to dismantling them. FBI Atlanta Special Agent in Charge Paul Brown and DEA Atlanta Acting Special Agent in Charge Jae W. Chung echoed these sentiments, highlighting the devastating impact of illicit drugs on communities and the commitment to preventing their distribution. Muscogee County Sheriff Greg Countryman lauded the collaborative effort of law enforcement in achieving this victory for the community.
Operation Sweet Silence, conducted from August 2022 to May 2024, was an extensive investigation into the Zohannon criminal street gang’s armed drug trafficking activities. Court documents revealed that Mullins coordinated numerous drug transactions involving methamphetamine and marijuana with co-conspirators in Columbus and suppliers elsewhere, including a major source in Seattle, Washington. Investigators determined that Mullins used his residence as a primary distribution location. Wiretaps and surveillance revealed the coordination of drug deliveries, including a kilogram of methamphetamine shipped from California via USPS.
The investigation also uncovered a trip to Seattle by four co-conspirators to purchase 300 pounds of marijuana, which was later seized at the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Further investigation revealed Clemons as a key distributor in Mullins’ organization, involving a large methamphetamine seizure during a traffic stop. Mullins and Palmer also shared a West Coast drug supply source. Palmer utilized Jenkins for drug distribution and was arrested with methamphetamine and marijuana. Turner was arrested during a traffic stop in possession of a stolen firearm and drugs. Champion sought to purchase a half-kilogram of cocaine from the organization. Additionally, Mullins was found with over $29,000 in cash at the Sacramento International Airport, believed to be drug proceeds.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative targeting illegal immigration, cartels, and violent crime. The investigation involved the FBI, DEA, and the Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from multiple other law enforcement agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Veronica Hansis and Trial Attorney Matthew P. Mattis are prosecuting the case.
