Federal authorities have charged 17 individuals in connection with an alleged armed drug trafficking operation in Athens, Georgia. The charges follow the unsealing of two federal indictments and one criminal complaint, announced by U.S. Attorney William R. “Will” Keyes.
On August 26, law enforcement agencies executed 12 search warrants across Athens and Atlanta, leading to the arrest of 13 suspects. Authorities seized 26 firearms—including 12 rifles and a grenade launcher—along with significant quantities of drugs: 26 kilograms of cocaine valued at $780,000, 1.7 kilograms of fentanyl valued at $60,000, approximately 500 grams of methamphetamine, over five ounces of crack cocaine, more than two pounds of marijuana, controlled pharmaceuticals, and $63,532 in cash.
The first indictment (Case No. 3:25-CR-00010) charges ten people with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and other offenses related to fentanyl and methamphetamine distribution between January 2024 and May 2025 in the Athens region. Those charged include Alicio Yanez-Pineda (“Cochito”), Josue Serda, Ulises Borja (“Liche”), Travis Arnold (“Trav”), Ariel Collins, Patrick Wilkins, Edgar Jara, Tyler Parr, Gregory Robinson, and Deshun Muckle.
According to the indictment:
– Arnold and Collins are accused of maintaining a location on Sartain Drive for drug distribution.
– Robinson is accused of distributing drugs from Essex Court.
– Borja has previously served time for a felony drug conviction.
– Wilkins is alleged to have possessed firearms illegally as a convicted felon.
A second indictment (Case No. 3:25-CR-00020) was filed against six others: Orlando Muckle (“Lando”), Joey Campbell (“Jay”), Bernard Walker (“Nard”), Lanier Cooper (“Nier”), Myles Kolbe Cooper (“Wop”), and Tommy Lee Smith. They are accused of conspiring to distribute more than 400 grams of fentanyl and over five kilograms of cocaine since October 2020. The indictment details allegations that both Coopers distributed drugs from Commerce Parkway premises while Muckle allegedly stored cocaine on Jennings Mill Parkway. Several defendants had prior felony drug convictions.
A newly unsealed federal criminal complaint also charges Halie Marie Money with unlawful firearm possession as a drug user after she was found unconscious alongside co-defendant Serda outside an Athens Walmart on June 20. Deputies reportedly found evidence consistent with narcotics use as well as text conversations about consuming and distributing illegal substances.
“These arrests send a clear message: Our office will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners at every level to dismantle dangerous armed drug trafficking organizations that threaten the safety of our communities,” said U.S. Attorney William R. “Will” Keyes.
Operation Take Back America coordinated this effort as part of a national initiative by the Department of Justice targeting violent crime and transnational criminal organizations through joint task forces such as Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhoods.
The investigation involved collaboration among multiple agencies including the FBI-Athens Middle Georgia Safe Streets Gang Task Force; FBI offices in Atlanta and Birmingham; DEA; Georgia Bureau of Investigation; state corrections departments; several local police departments; county sheriff’s offices; among others.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Morrison is prosecuting these cases.
An indictment or criminal complaint represents only an allegation; all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt in court.
