An Albany man identified as the intermediary between an Atlanta-based Mexican drug cartel and Southwest Georgia distributors has been sentenced to 30 years in federal prison. The sentencing follows a multi-agency investigation under Operation Take Back America.
Garry Allen Harris, also known as “G Money” or “Gary Cody,” age 33, was sentenced to 360 months in prison and ten years of supervised release on October 7. He had previously pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. His federal sentence will be served consecutively to sentences from previous cases in Worth County, Georgia. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Garry Harris showed no remorse for his crimes, continuing to push drugs, possess weapons and even threaten a co-conspirator twice while behind bars,” said U.S. Attorney William R. “Will” Keyes. “Thanks to the diligent and coordinated efforts of our local, state and federal law enforcement partners, we have successfully dismantled a narcotics pipeline into Southwest Georgia linked to a Mexican cartel and directed by an incarcerated gang member. Under Operation Take Back America, our office will leverage every available resource to seek justice and protect citizens.”
“This 30-year sentence sends a powerful message to those who believe they can profit from poisoning our communities with methamphetamine,” said Robert J. Murphy, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Division. “Our law enforcement partners and agents worked relentlessly to dismantle this operation, and this outcome reflects the serious consequences that await anyone who traffics in this deadly drug.”
Other defendants convicted in connection with the case include:
– Wallace Eric Strickland of Albany: sentenced to nearly 24 years in prison after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
– Niki Lynn Crabtree-Booth of Albany: received more than 12 years after pleading guilty to conspiracy charges and possessing a firearm related to drug trafficking.
– Aryn Brittany Jones of Leesburg: sentenced to ten years for conspiracy.
– Ryan Daniel Farr of Leesburg: sentenced to almost six years for obstruction of justice.
Senior U.S. District Judge W. Louis Sands presided over the case.
Investigators used court-authorized searches on Facebook accounts and cellphones belonging to the defendants as part of their inquiry into armed drug trafficking tied to a Mexican cartel operating out of Atlanta. Communications between Harris—who was already serving time—and co-defendant Crabtree-Booth were discovered discussing illegal drug distribution starting January 2022.
Harris directed other members from behind bars using contraband cell phones, acting as an intermediary between dealers in Southwest Georgia and his supplier in Atlanta known as “Professor” or “Coach.” Authorities hold Harris responsible for distributing 2.5 kilograms of methamphetamine along with several firearms found among network members. He has prior convictions including robbery by force and illegal possession of firearms, and is recognized as a member of the Gangster Disciples street gang.
The court determined that Harris made credible threats against a co-conspirator and tried repeatedly to obstruct justice while incarcerated by discouraging cooperation with authorities. Evidence presented during sentencing included witness testimony, documentation showing he possessed makeshift weapons (shanks), contraband phones, and continued narcotics activity while jailed.
Operation Take Back America is a Department of Justice initiative focusing resources on disrupting cartels and transnational criminal organizations involved in violent crime across the United States by coordinating efforts among agencies such as Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhoods.
The investigation involved the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Lee County Sheriff’s Office, Americus Police Department, and Fitzgerald Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Redavid prosecuted the case for the government.
Further details about this case can be found at https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdga/pr/defendants-sentenced-prison-separate-armed-meth-trafficking-investigations-southwest.
