Convicted Murderer Running Drug Ring from Georgia Prison Found Guilty in Federal Court

ATLANTA, GA – A federal jury has convicted Jarvis Matthews, a convicted murderer already serving life without parole, for orchestrating a multi-million-dollar drug trafficking and money laundering operation from inside a Georgia state prison. The verdict follows a five-day trial in which prosecutors laid out evidence showing Matthews used contraband cellphones to run an extensive criminal enterprise while incarcerated.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Matthews, 46, of Morgan, Georgia, directed the distribution of methamphetamine, heroin, and fentanyl in the Atlanta area. He recruited family members, including his fiancée, girlfriends, nephew, and two adult sons, to carry out deliveries, collect drug proceeds, and launder money. The operation allegedly involved multiple kilograms of drugs sourced internationally.

Federal investigators uncovered Matthews’ scheme through extensive surveillance, including a court-authorized wiretap on his contraband cellphone and video monitoring at one of the operation’s trap houses. In April 2022, FBI agents conducted a controlled purchase of two kilograms of methamphetamine from Matthews’ adult son, Charvis Harris, who had already pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess controlled substances with intent to distribute. Testimony at trial showed Matthews directed dozens of transactions using social media accounts while evading law enforcement detection.

“Matthews audaciously used contraband cellphones to run a drug trafficking operation from his state prison cell,” said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. “Now, as a result of a diligent federal investigation and close coordination with state and local partners, this convicted murderer faces a substantial sentence in federal prison on top of his state sentence.”

Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Atlanta, Paul Brown, said, “Jarvis Matthews exploited the prison system and his family to further his criminal enterprise. This case underscores the FBI’s commitment to dismantling transnational criminal organizations and holding accountable those who think they can operate beyond the reach of the law.”

Matthews faces a mandatory minimum of 25 years in federal prison, to run consecutively to his life sentences for murder and felony murder. Sentencing has not yet been scheduled.

The investigation was conducted by the FBI with assistance from the Georgia Department of Corrections, Georgia State Patrol, Coweta County Sheriff’s Office, Dooly County Sheriff’s Office, Etowah County (Alabama) Sheriff’s Office, Fayetteville Police Department, Newton County Sheriff’s Office, Marshall County (Alabama) Drug Task Force, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Johnny Baer and John DeGenova are prosecuting the case.