Ten individuals connected to an armed drug trafficking organization in southwest Georgia have been sentenced or are awaiting sentencing in federal court. The action follows a law enforcement investigation that led to the seizure of 30 firearms, including two machineguns, as well as methamphetamine and fentanyl.
“This case amplifies the kinds of efforts across the Middle District of Georgia to get guns and drugs off our streets and make the communities we serve safer for everyone,” said U.S. Attorney William R. “Will” Keyes. “Our office is working alongside law enforcement at every level to identify the most egregious offenders to hold them accountable at the federal level.”
“As part of our ongoing efforts under Operation Take Back America, this case highlights the ATF’s crucial role in combating the intersection of gun violence and drug trafficking. We will continue to leverage our resources to ensure that those who endanger our communities face justice,” said ATF Acting Assistant Special Agent in Charge Robert Davis.
“Collaboration with our state, local and federal partners was key to bringing these ten defendants to justice for trafficking drugs in Georgia communities,” said GBI Director Chris Hosey. “Together, we are making our neighborhoods safer by removing violent offenders, dangerous weapons and deadly narcotics from our streets.”
The following defendants have been sentenced:
– Devin Covon Randle, 29, received 192 months in prison followed by four years of supervised release after pleading guilty to distribution of methamphetamine.
– Roy Clinton Billingsley, 35, was sentenced to 60 months in prison followed by four years of supervised release after pleading guilty to distribution of methamphetamine.
– Wade Lanier Tucker, 40, received 96 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release after pleading guilty.
– Jessica Julianne Raines, 40, was sentenced to 72 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release.
Other defendants—Mitchell Alexander Hilson, Rico Lashun Hall, Konterrious Antwon James, Bernard Charbrion Holsey, Brennan Terrell Woods and Marcena Leundra Jordan—have pleaded guilty and await sentencing scheduled for January 8, 2026. They each face mandatory minimum sentences ranging from ten years up to life imprisonment.
A co-defendant remains at large: Rasheen Malik Garrett is charged with conspiracy involving controlled substances and firearm offenses. He faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment if convicted. Authorities encourage anyone with information about Garrett’s location to submit anonymous tips through the Georgia Bureau of Investigation’s tip line or online portal.
Chief U.S. District Judge Leslie Abrams Gardner is overseeing proceedings. There is no parole available under federal sentencing guidelines.
According to court documents referenced during proceedings, authorities began investigating armed drug trafficking activity in southwest Georgia in 2023. Over six months between July and December that year, agents made several controlled purchases involving methamphetamine and firearms from suspects operating primarily out of Albany hotels. Search warrants executed at these locations resulted in further seizures: a total of 28 firearms (plus two machineguns), approximately 2.3 kilograms of methamphetamine, nine grams of fentanyl and additional cocaine products were recovered.
This investigation forms part of Operation Take Back America—a Department of Justice initiative focused on dismantling cartels and criminal organizations while addressing violent crime nationwide through coordinated efforts such as Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhoods.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) led the investigation with support from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Albany Dougherty Special Investigation Unit (ADSIU), and Lee County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO). Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Redavid is prosecuting the case for the government.
