January 08, 2009
Contact: Chuvalo J. Truesdell
PIO/AFD
Number: 404-893-7124
Fifteen Individuals Indicted in Federal Drug Conspiracy Case
JAN 08  -- 
AUGUSTA, GA.  - Edmund A. Booth, Jr., United States Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia, announced that a federal grand jury returned indictments against 15 defendants for violations of 21 U.S.C.  846, Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine, Cocaine Base, and Marijuana, as well as other related offenses.
Booth stated that the indictment stems from a lengthy investigation into the operations of a drug trafficking organization headed by the lead defendant Carlos Jermaine Hughes. During the investigation, agents and officers seized more than two kilograms of powder and crack cocaine; more than $212,000 in United States Currency; seven automobiles and other property. Within the indictment, the Government seeks to forfeit all cash, automobiles and other property seized. A chart listing the indicted defendants along with the specific charge and maximum statutory penalty, if convicted, is attached and incorporated as part of this release.
Booth and Rodney G. Benson, Special Agent in Charge (SAC) of the DEA Atlanta Field Division (AFD), praised the joint efforts of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigations' Project Safe Street Task Force and the Richmond County Sheriff's Office for their investigation of this case. Booth stated that "the U.S. Attorney's Office will vigilantly pursue and prosecute major drug traffickers in the Southern District of Georgia." Booth stressed that an indictment is only an accusation and is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the Government's burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
The Government is being represented in these prosecutions by Assistant United States Attorney Patricia Green Johnson.