Three individuals have received federal prison sentences for their roles in a large-scale drug trafficking conspiracy operating across southern Georgia, with much of the operation directed from inside state prisons. U.S. District Court Judge Lisa G. Wood imposed the sentences, which were announced by U.S. Attorney Margaret E. “Meg” Heap for the Southern District of Georgia.
Dequatte Tucker, 34, an inmate at Wheeler Correctional Facility, was sentenced to 188 months in prison, while Roger Jenkins, 28, of Alma, Georgia, received 84 months. Both pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Controlled Substances. Corey Hill, 36, of Ambrose, Georgia, was sentenced to 18 months after pleading guilty to Conspiracy to Possess Firearms in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime.
The investigation into the multi-community operation led to the seizure of 21 illegally possessed firearms and over $17,000. U.S. Attorney Heap said, “The sentences imposed hold these conspirators accountable for their roles in a drug trafficking operation that endangered our communities.” She added that those who traffic narcotics will be identified, prosecuted, and brought to justice.
This case is part of a broader effort that saw 33 additional defendants convicted, with 17 already sentenced to terms up to 126 months. Brian Ozden, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta’s Resident Agencies, said the organization was “responsible for wreaking havoc in South Georgia,” and its takedown is a positive step in keeping communities safe. Law enforcement agencies, including the FBI and local sheriff's offices, collaborated on the investigation, vowing to continue disrupting such organizations.