Crisp County criminals plead guilty in armed meth trafficking case
ALBANY – Two southwest Georgia residents with criminal pasts pleaded guilty to federal charges resulting from an armed drug trafficking investigation conducted by local, state and federal level law enforcement agencies.
Justin Harris Vinson, 42, of Warwick, pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of methamphetamine and co-defendant Shana Rae Black, 34, of Cordele, pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of methamphetamine. Both defendants are facing a mandatory minimum of 10 years up to a maximum of life imprisonment to be followed by at least five years of supervised release and a $10 million fine. Chief U.S. District Judge Leslie Gardner is presiding over the cases. The sentencing dates will be determined by the court.
"Repeat convicted felons who illegally arm themselves and distribute the most highly addictive and dangerous drugs into our communities will face federal consequences for these crimes," U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary said in a news release. "Our office is working closely with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies to identity those individuals creating the most havoc in the Middle District of Georgia and hold them accountable for their crimes."
"Drug traffickers drive addiction and destroy communities," Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Division Robert J. Murphy said. "DEA will use any resource necessary to remove these career criminals from our streets."
"We are committed to holding those who traffic methamphetamine accountable," GBI Director Chris Hosey said. "Collaborating closely with state, local and federal law enforcement agencies, we will work to ensure justice and dismantle these dangerous networks."
"I am incredibly proud of our agency's relentless efforts and the strong collaboration with our local and federal partners," Crisp County Sheriff Billy Hancock said. "Methamphetamine trafficking brings dangerous consequences to our community, often resulting in tragedy and loss of life. This case highlights our dedication to safeguarding the community and demonstrates the powerful results we achieve through collaboration.
According to court documents and statements referenced in court, a confidential informant working with the Crisp County Sheriff's Office contacted Black on Facebook to obtain methamphetamine on Oct. 27, 2022. Black sold the CI approximately 111 grams of methamphetamine at a Perry motel; the CI reported there was a pistol on a nightstand in the motel room, next to a bulk quantity of methamphetamine.
On Oct. 31, an undercover Georgia Bureau of Investigation agent contacted Black to purchase methamphetamine and met her at the Walmart in Cordele. Under audio and video surveillance, the GBI agent purchased methamphetamine from Black.
On Nov. 2, FBI, DEA and GBI agents met with another CI to purchase methamphetamine from Vinson. Under surveillance, Vinson met the CI at his Warwick residence and traveled with Vinson to the Sunrise Inn in Cordele to meet with Black. During the transaction, Black provided 284.4 grams of methamphetamine and collected the majority of the cash payment for the drugs, with Vinson keeping $300 as a brokering fee. Vinson was seen with a firearm during the transaction.
On Nov. 7, CCSO and GBI arrested Black in Crisp County as she traveled in a vehicle back from McDonough. A search of the vehicle revealed Black was in possession of 982.7 grams of 97% pure methamphetamine, 15.89 grams of 91% pure methamphetamine, a digital scale and several cellphones. GBI executed a search warrant on the Baymont Inn motel room in Cordele where Black was staying and found a 9mm semiautomatic pistol, a small bag of suspected methamphetamine, four digital scales and bulk quantities of plastic baggies. Black's cellphones showed extensive communications between her and known drug dealers.
On Jan. 22, 2023, Vinson purchased 15 ounces of methamphetamine in Cordele and sold 277 grams of 98% pure methamphetamine to a CI utilized by GBI in Warwick. During the transaction, the CI observed Vinson place a firearm in the center console of his vehicle. A search warrant was executed at Vinson's residence on Jan. 26, 2023. Law enforcement located a semiautomatic pistol in his bedroom, along with five other firearms inside of an open safe.
Vinson told officers he had been selling methamphetamine in the south Georgia and north Florida area his entire life and that during the peak of COVID in 2020, he would sell approximately three kilograms of methamphetamine per week for six months.
Vinson has a prior felony conviction in Lee County Superior Court for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Black also has a prior felony conviction in Jones County Superior Court for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
This case was investigated by FBI, DEA, GBI and the Crisp County Sheriff's Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Redavid is prosecuting the case for the government.
