Sentencing begins in meth ring case

ALBANY, Ga. — United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, Charles E. Peeler, announced Tuesday that 11 of a total of 28 individuals involved in a massive Moultrie-based methamphetamine distribution ring were sentenced by Judge Leslie J. Abrams on Monday and Tuesday in U.S. Federal Court in Albany. More sentencings in this crime ring are expected throughout the week.

Authorities estimate that the group was responsible for the distribution of more than 20 kilograms of the drug, according to a press release from Peeler’s office. From May until November 2016, an organization of 30 individuals distributed methamphetamine in and around Moultrie, the release said. According to court evidence, some of these transactions also occurred in Atlanta and parts of Florida, including at the Georgia-Florida line.

“We must put a stop to the flow of methamphetamine in and through our state,” Peeler said. “This extensive meth crime ring operating out of a quiet community in Southwest Georgia is an example of just how pervasive these networks have become. I salute the tireless efforts of more than a dozen law enforcement agencies and our committed prosecutorial team that contributed to bringing this meth distribution ring down.”

The following individuals were sentenced Monday:

• Marcus Andrews, 35, of Bristol, Fla., pled guilty to conspiracy to possess meth with the intent to distribute, and was sentenced to 145 months and 3 years supervised release.

• Sharon Blackwell, 46, of Moultrie, pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and was sentenced to 100 months and 5 years supervised release.

• Samuel Butler, 56, of Crawford, Fla.,  pled guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, and was sentenced to  96 months and 5 years supervised release.

• Michael Dampier, 45, of Doerun, pled guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and was sentenced to 160 months to serve, 5 years supervised release and $100 mandatory assessment.

• Devin Dorminey, 23, of Lake City, Fla., pled guilty to possession of a firearm by a drug user, and was sentenced to 18 months and 3 years supervised release

• Leroy Haynes, 41, of Norman Park, pled guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and was sentenced to 180 months and 5 years supervised release.

• Micahel Kulak, 45, of DeLeon Springs, Fla., pled guilty to interstate travel in aid of racketeering enterprises, and was sentenced to 24 months and 3 years supervised release.

• Stephanie McMurphy, 39, of Adel, pled guilty to distribution of methamphetamine within 1,000 feet of a school and was sentenced to 102 months to serve, 6 years supervised release and $100 mandatory assessment.

• Avery Norman, 37, of Moultrie, pled guilty to use of a communication device in furtherance of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and was sentenced to 24 months and 1 year supervised release.

• Cambrick Taylor, 22, of Moultrie, pled guilty to interstate travel in aid of racketeering enterprises, and was sentenced to 12 months and day to serve, 2 years supervised release and $100 mandatory assessment.

• Melissa Valdez Williams, 30, of Moultrie, pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and was sentenced to 180 months and 5 years supervised release.

The case was investigated by agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Georgia Bureau of Investigations, Georgia Department of Corrections, Georgia Department of Community Supervision, Mid-South Narcotics Task Force, Colquitt County Sheriff’s Office, Crisp County Sheriff’s Office, Tift County Sheriff’s Office, Henry County Sheriff’s Office, Grady County Sheriff’s Office, Berrien County Sheriff’s Office, Cook County Sheriff’s Office, Leon County, Florida, Sheriff’s Office, Volusia County, Florida, Bureau of Investigation and Moultrie Police Department.

Assistant United States Attorney Leah E. McEwen is prosecuting the case for the United States.