Jorge Martinez-Arellano, also known as Jorge DeLeon Garcia, was indicted on March 24 following a November 30, 2025, traffic stop in Rabun County that led to the discovery of a firearm and about 300 grams of methamphetamine in his vehicle. He appeared in federal court on April 22 and remains in custody without bail.
The case highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement to address public safety threats posed by repeat offenders with histories of violent crime and drug trafficking. The U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia serves as the principal federal law enforcement agency for the region, enforcing criminal laws and collaborating with local partners to protect communities according to its official website.
“Despite having been deported numerous times, Martinez-Arellano allegedly returned to our country illegally and resumed trafficking drugs,” said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. “His alleged conduct posed grave danger to the public and demonstrated utter contempt for our laws. Thankfully, strong partnerships between federal and local law enforcement led to the apprehension of a career criminal and confiscation of his poison.” Hertzberg holds the position of United States Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia according to the official website.
Steven N. Schrank, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Georgia and Alabama, said: “Removing dangerous criminals from our communities is at the heart of Homeland Security Investigations’ mission. The arrest of Martinez-Arellano… demonstrates our commitment to protecting our community from the threat of drugs and gun violence.” Assistant Special Agent in Charge Ryan Todd added: “This traffic stop identified a repeat offender… posing a clear danger to our community… ATF and our law enforcement partners will remain focused on stopping those who endanger our communities.” Rabun County Sheriff Mark Gerrells praised deputies’ actions during the stop: “What started as a traffic stop turned into taking drugs, a gun, and a repeat offender off our streets… This is the kind of work we’re doing every day to keep Rabun County safe.”
Martinez-Arellano’s criminal history includes convictions for drug trafficking, assault with a deadly weapon, unlawful reentry into the United States multiple times, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession of firearms as both an illegal alien and convicted felon—offenses carrying mandatory minimum sentences up to life imprisonment if convicted.
The case is part of Operation Take Back America—a nationwide Department of Justice initiative targeting illegal immigration-related crime—and involves cooperation among Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms & Explosives (ATF), Rabun County Sheriff’s Office, along with prosecution by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Keen.
The Northern District covers north Georgia mountains through Atlanta suburbs bordering Alabama/the Carolinas—serving about 7.5 million residents—and coordinates cases nationally/internationally according to its official website. Members of the public are reminded that all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.
