Kevin Martinez appeared in federal court on March 9 on charges related to the alleged distribution of large amounts of fentanyl in the metro-Atlanta area, according to a statement from the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia. Authorities allege that Martinez operated under the direction of the La Nueva Familia Michoacana drug cartel.
The case highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement to address the threat posed by fentanyl and organized crime groups. The U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia serves as the principal federal law enforcement agency in its district and prioritizes prosecution of threats such as terrorism, human trafficking, and civil rights violations to serve its community, according to the official website.
“Martinez allegedly worked on behalf of a terrorist drug cartel, flooding our communities with massive quantities of lethal fentanyl,” said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. “As a result of the tireless and courageous work of law enforcement, Martinez is in federal custody, and the cartel’s deadly drugs are off the street.” Hertzberg holds the position of United States Attorney for this district, which covers a region serving 7.5 million residents across north Georgia mountains, Atlanta suburbs, and borders with Alabama and the Carolinas, according to the official website.
Jae W. Chung, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division, said: “This arrest demonstrates DEA’s unwavering commitment to combating the fentanyl crisis. The distribution of fentanyl poses an extreme danger to our communities, and we will continue to work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to disrupt and dismantle those responsible. Through the Fentanyl Free America Initiative, DEA is intensifying efforts nationwide to keep this deadly drug off our streets and protect the American public.” The investigation revealed that Martinez was allegedly distributing stamped fentanyl marked with a “Pacman” symbol eating an “LV” symbol; agents seized six pounds during traffic stops in Fulton County and Henry County on February 4 and February 18.
On March 6, agents executed a search warrant at Martinez’s apartment in Doraville where they found about 44 pounds of fentanyl concealed in car batteries along with firearms and a money counter. The U.S. Attorney’s Office coordinated this case—which has nationwide dimensions—with assistance from several local agencies including sheriff’s offices from Newton County and Coweta County as well as police departments from Fulton County and Henry County.
Martinez faces charges for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl but remains presumed innocent until proven guilty at trial; it is up to prosecutors Eric White and Sandy Strippoli to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
This case forms part of Operation Take Back America—a national initiative aiming for elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations while protecting communities from violent crime perpetrators—as reported by the official website.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office recommends parents and children learn more about drug dangers at www.justthinktwice.gov.
