Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Atlanta for Role in Nationwide Cocaine Trafficking Conspiracy

ATLANTA – Maurice Lynch, 50, of Tacoma, Washington, has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for his involvement in a multi-state cocaine trafficking conspiracy. Lynch operated a stash house in Fairburn, Georgia, through which he distributed approximately 86 kilograms of cocaine valued at around $2 million.

“This case demonstrates how illegal drug and firearms possession can create a serious public safety threat,” said Jae W. Chung, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Division. “DEA will continue working alongside our federal, state, and local partners to identify and dismantle drug operations that endanger our communities.”

U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg added, “Lynch was part of a large network of cocaine traffickers that peddled millions of dollars of deadly drugs from a metro-Atlanta residence. Our office will continue to work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to hold dangerous drug dealers accountable.”

U.S. Marshal Thomas E. Brown emphasized the enforcement commitment: “Let the word get out that if you spread poison in our community there is no way you can run and hide from the U.S. Marshals Service. We will hunt and find you.”

Case Details

The conspiracy involved stash houses across multiple states, including Georgia, Maryland, New York, North Carolina, Illinois, and New Jersey. Lynch managed the Fairburn location during the summer of 2022. On July 18, 2022, he attempted to evade a Georgia State Patrol stop, discarding two bags containing two kilograms of cocaine, but was quickly apprehended. A subsequent search of the Fairburn stash house uncovered over $100,000 in cash, two firearms, and a drug ledger.

Lynch was convicted on September 25, 2025, of conspiracy to possess cocaine with intent to distribute after pleading guilty.

Co-Defendants

Eight other individuals were charged in connection with the conspiracy, with four already pleading guilty:

• Tyronne Johnson, Jr., 49, of Queens, New York – six years, six months in prison; four years supervised release.
• Elisa Johnson, 35, of Kirkland, Washington – two years, six months in prison; three years supervised release.
• Jovan Jackson, Sr., 49, of Snellville, Georgia – sentencing set for February 16, 2026.
• Dominique Gwinn, 29, of Atlanta, Georgia – sentencing set for March 2, 2026.

Investigation and Prosecution

The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the U.S. Marshals Service, with assistance from the Georgia State Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew R. LaGrone, Sandra E. Strippoli, Elizabeth M. Hathaway, and Nicholas L. Evert, along with former Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua May and Norman L. Barnett, prosecuted the case.