Wilfort Foster, III, a 41-year-old from El Monte, California, has been sentenced to 28 years in federal prison. He pleaded guilty to charges related to narcotics and money laundering conspiracies. Foster led an operation that transported large quantities of methamphetamine and fentanyl from California to North Georgia and other locations, while laundering significant amounts of drug proceeds.
“Our office partnered with a host of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to dismantle a significant, multi-state drug trafficking and money laundering network,” said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. “Foster’s 28-year prison sentence should serve as a robust warning to others who might consider trafficking deadly fentanyl and methamphetamine in North Georgia.”
“DEA is committed to going after money laundering networks that move cash made from the sale of illegal drugs in the United States,” stated Jae W. Chung, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Division.
Paul Brown, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta, commented on the efforts made: “This sentencing marks the end of a years-long effort to dismantle a dangerous drug trafficking network that was pushing lethal fentanyl and methamphetamine into our communities.”
Steven N. Schrank from Homeland Security Investigations emphasized the threat posed by these substances: “This significant sentence reflects the massive danger that fentanyl and illicit narcotics pose to our communities.”
According to U.S. Attorney Hertzberg’s presentation in court, Foster conspired with others from 2017 through 2022 to transport drugs across states. His barbershop served as a front for his illegal activities.
In one instance, more than 22 kilograms of methamphetamine were seized by law enforcement after being supplied by Foster. Conspirators laundered over $600,000 back to him using shell companies.
The investigation involved multiple agencies seizing narcotics and firearms during their operations. Despite being on probation for previous offenses involving drugs and firearms in California, Foster continued his criminal activities.
United States District Judge William M. Ray II handed down Foster’s sentence earlier today. Another member of his organization, Steven Ham from Cartersville, Georgia, received a 15-year sentence last year.
Several other defendants have pleaded guilty as part of this case but are awaiting sentencing.
The case was investigated by numerous federal and local agencies including the FBI, DEA, Homeland Security Investigations among others.
Assistant United States Attorneys Calvin A. Leipold III along with Matthew R. LaGrone and Jeffrey Brown prosecuted the case under Operation Take Back America initiative aimed at combating organized crime.
For further information contact U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office or visit their website.
