Gainesville Drug Dealer Sentenced to 40 Years in Prison for Fentanyl Trafficking

LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. – A 57-year-old Gainesville man has been sentenced to 45 years after pleading guilty to multiple drug trafficking charges involving fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine, prosecutors announced.

Irvin Lamar Simpson pleaded guilty to three counts of trafficking fentanyl, one count of trafficking methamphetamine, one count of possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, obstruction and possession of a drug-related object.

A judge sentenced Simpson to 45 years, with the first 40 years to be served in prison without the possibility of parole.

“This defendant had a chance to change with his release from federal prison. But he turned his back on that opportunity,” Gwinnett County District Attorney Patsy Austin-Gatson said in a statement. “We are going to hold accountable anyone who peddles deadly drugs in this jurisdiction.”

The investigation began in January 2023 after Georgia Bureau of Investigation drug agents received information that Simpson was selling illegal narcotics.

Agents conducting surveillance observed Simpson carrying a backpack as he entered a vehicle. Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office deputies later stopped the vehicle, and a K-9 alerted to the presence of narcotics inside the backpack.

Investigators recovered approximately 35 grams of fentanyl, 98 grams of methamphetamine and more than 20 grams of cocaine, with an estimated street value of about $4,000. Deputies also found a handgun and digital scales inside the backpack.

Authorities said Simpson attempted to flee as deputies tried to arrest him, running into a wooded area near the traffic stop. Retired Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Cino tracked Simpson and held him until deputies took him into custody.

During sentencing, prosecutors presented evidence showing Simpson had a lengthy criminal history involving drug offenses dating back to the 1980s.

According to prosecutors, Simpson had been released early from federal prison after officials determined he no longer posed a threat to the community. However, they said he was found in possession of a distribution quantity of fentanyl during a traffic stop in Habersham County approximately six months before his arrest in Gwinnett County.

Managing Assistant District Attorney David Ian and Assistant District Attorney Brian Trepanier prosecuted the case with assistance from Investigator Yayoi Huggins and Victim Witness Advocate Trina Bradford. The investigation was conducted by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and the Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office.

Because Simpson has pleaded guilty and been sentenced, the case has been adjudicated.