Michael Ferrell Price, known as “Cheese,” has been sentenced to more than seven years in federal prison after being convicted of drug trafficking and firearms offenses. Price, 68, was found guilty of possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute and possessing a firearm as an unlawful drug user.
According to court records, authorities began investigating Price in September 2024 for trafficking methamphetamine from his mother’s residence in eastern Cherokee County. On October 22, 2024, law enforcement executed a search warrant at the property and discovered over three ounces of high-purity crystal methamphetamine, several gallons of illegal moonshine, dozens of explosive devices, and more than 150 firearms. Among these were machineguns, silencers that were not registered, a short-barreled rifle, a privately made firearm without a serial number, and a stolen revolver.
Price also operated an illegal moonshine still on the premises. Due to his history as a long-term abuser of methamphetamine, he was legally barred from possessing firearms or explosives.
U.S. District Judge Eleanor L. Ross sentenced Price on August 21, 2025, to 87 months in prison followed by four years of supervised release. He pleaded guilty on May 7, 2025.
“Price posed a clear danger to the community by selling methamphetamine and distilling moonshine while maintaining an illegal stash of explosive devices and more than 150 firearms,” said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. “Thanks to the collaboration of federal agents and local law enforcement, Price has been brought to justice for his crimes.”
“This case demonstrates the results we achieve when federal, state, and local law enforcement work hand-in-hand,” said ATF Assistant Special Agent in Charge Beau Kolodka. “By combining resources and expertise, we were able to dismantle a criminal operation that threatened both public safety and the rule of law.”
“Stockpiling weapons while trafficking drugs is a recipe for tragedy,” said Major Walter Jones, Director of Drug Enforcement-Cherokee Multi-Agency Narcotics Squad. “Price’s sentencing should make clear that those who choose that path will face serious consequences.”
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives along with the Cherokee Multi-Agency Narcotics Squad led the investigation into Price’s activities. The Blue Ridge Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office also contributed assistance.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office advises parents and children to learn about drug dangers through educational resources such as www.justthinktwice.gov and www.getsmartaboutdrugs.gov.
For further information regarding this case or other matters involving the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia: http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga
