Thirteen individuals involved in a prison-based methamphetamine distribution ring were convicted and sentenced, according to a March 10 announcement by the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia. The group, which included both state and federal inmates, coordinated the distribution of large quantities of methamphetamine throughout north Georgia before being identified by federal agents.
The case highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement to disrupt drug trafficking operations that continue even from within correctional facilities. The U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia serves as the principal federal law enforcement agency in the district and prioritizes prosecution of threats such as terrorism, human trafficking, and civil rights violations to serve its community, according to the official website.
U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg said, “From behind prison walls, these defendants egregiously continued to violate the law by coordinating the distribution of massive amounts of methamphetamine throughout north Georgia.” Hertzberg added that “the prison sentences imposed in this case without the possibility of parole follow a multiyear, closely coordinated partnership among federal, state, and local law enforcement to protect our communities from the spread of deadly drugs.”
Jae W. Chung, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Atlanta Field Division, said: “Methamphetamine continues to fuel addiction, violence, and instability in our communities. These defendants believed they could orchestrate a drug trafficking organization from inside a correctional facility, but the sentences show that law enforcement will pursue traffickers wherever they operate. DEA will continue working tirelessly to disrupt and dismantle networks responsible for distributing dangerous drugs.” Chief Deputy John B. Stevens with the U.S. Marshals Service stated: “It doesn’t matter if you are already in custody; if you continue to violate the laws of the United States, we will come for you, and you will be held accountable.”
The investigation began in November 2020 when authorities learned that inmates Edward Kelvin Pope and David Wilson were using couriers outside Central State Prison in Macon to distribute methamphetamine around metro Atlanta. Other participants included Jose Santos Isaola Cisneros at Federal Correctional Institution Atlanta and Kevin Josue Campos Rivera at Central State Prison. Several incidents detailed how kilograms of methamphetamine were distributed or seized during undercover operations across various locations including Cartersville, Stockbridge, and Norcross.
Sentences ranged from over twenty years down to just over three years for those who pleaded guilty on charges including conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and money laundering offenses.
The case was investigated by multiple agencies including the Drug Enforcement Administration and U.S. Marshals Service with assistance from local police departments and sheriff’s offices.
According to its official website, the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia enforces federal criminal laws while collaborating with law enforcement partners across a region serving 7.5 million residents spanning north Georgia mountains through Atlanta suburbs up to borders with Alabama and Carolinas. The office also coordinates cases with nationwide or international dimensions.
Hertzberg held his position as United States Attorney for this district during these prosecutions according to official records.
