10 Sentenced in ‘Operation Sweet Silence’ Targeting Armed Drug Ring in Columbus
COLUMBUS, Ga. — Ten defendants have now been sentenced for their roles in a large-scale armed drug trafficking organization dismantled through “Operation Sweet Silence,” a multi-agency federal investigation that removed significant quantities of methamphetamine, cocaine, marijuana and firearms from the streets of Columbus.
According to federal prosecutors, the organization was led by Tommie Mullins Jr., 31, also known as “TJ,” “Bo,” and “Mini,” who was linked to the violent Zohannon criminal street gang. Investigators said Mullins and his co-conspirators distributed large amounts of narcotics throughout the community while operating out of a residence on Cove Circle.
Sentences Imposed
All ten defendants, each from Columbus, received the following prison sentences:
- Tommie Mullins Jr., 31 – 20 years (sentenced Feb. 10, 2026)
- Trenton Clemons, 48 – 25 years
- Corey Turner, 33 – 20 years
- Adrian Palmer, 25 – 14 years
- Trenton Thomas, 25 – 11 years, 3 months
- Anthony Champion, 46 – 7 years, 3 months
- Javonta Paden, 25 – 5 years, 11 months
- Christopher Hill, 36 – 2 years
- Adrian Pleasants, 29 – 1 year, 8 months
- Darius Jenkins, 24 – 1 year, 6 months
Inside the Investigation
The case was built using court-authorized wiretaps, physical surveillance and coordinated law enforcement efforts. Investigators intercepted calls detailing drug transactions and observed repeated patterns of suspects leaving the Cove Circle residence to conduct narcotics sales.
In March 2023, agents intercepted calls arranging drug deals, including a half-kilogram sale and other large transactions. Surveillance captured multiple defendants coordinating sales and distributing drugs on behalf of Mullins and Turner.
Authorities also uncovered a plan involving several defendants flying to Seattle, Washington, to obtain 300 pounds of marijuana. When they returned, a K9 unit at the airport alerted to their luggage. Law enforcement seized 232 pounds of marijuana from the group. Subsequent intercepted calls showed attempts to offset losses by arranging methamphetamine deals.
In a separate airport search, investigators seized more than $29,000 in suspected drug proceeds from Mullins. Additional searches uncovered approximately one kilogram of methamphetamine packaged in 33 baggies inside a vehicle tied to Palmer.
Another major seizure occurred on April 15, 2024, when Mullins and Clemons traveled to Atlanta and were later stopped in traffic. Officers discovered four pounds of nearly pure methamphetamine in a suitcase.
Federal and Local Partnership
The investigation was led by the FBI, DEA and the Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from multiple state and local agencies across Georgia, Alabama and California.
Federal officials said the sentences reflect the seriousness of operating an armed drug trafficking organization.
“This case represents the coordinated effort to dismantle dangerous criminal enterprises that threaten our communities,” said U.S. Attorney William R. “Will” Keyes.
Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva added that methamphetamine and cocaine “destroy lives, fracture families and fuel violence.”
Operation Sweet Silence is part of the Department of Justice’s broader initiative to target violent criminal organizations and drug trafficking networks nationwide.
Prosecutors said the lengthy sentences ensure key members of the organization will remain off the streets for years to come.
