Seven individuals in Georgia were charged for their alleged role in a drug trafficking scheme that led to the overdose of at least one individual.
Each of the seven individuals was charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute, which carries a maximum sentence of life in prison. Notably, there is no parole in the federal prison system.
In addition to the conspiracy charges, the alleged traffickers face a host of charges ranging from Possession of Ammunition by a Convicted Felon to Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute.
“Our office continues the relentless pursuit of drug trafficking operations and eliminating the violent crime these enterprises generate,” said U.S. Attorney Estes (pictured above). “In collaboration with our law enforcement partners, these investigations and prosecutions will make our communities safer.”
The indictments were connected to an ongoing investigation called Operation Wheat Fields. According to the Department of Justice (DOJ), the operation “dates back to early 2018 and includes allegations of trafficking in large amounts of methamphetamine, heroin, and marijuana, along with multiple firearms charges.”
The investigation from federal authorities “identified a pipeline of illegal drugs from Mexico routed through Atlanta and into the Augusta area.”
According to the release, the seven individuals operated in or were from the Augusta area:
- Jayson Dwayne Wheatley, 41, of Augusta
- Jeffrey Mitchell Granade, 48, of Evans
- Steven Curtis Newman, 55, of Martinez
- Alvin Wayne Snellgrove, 63, of Evans
- Richard Travis Bargeron, 41, of Augusta
- Heather Nicole Disher, 42, of Grovetown
- Dana Alexander Rau, 48, of Augusta
Previously, the federal government charged 13 people in or near Athens as a portion of a separate drug operation. During the seizure, the officials say they hauled in “Four firearms, 6.9 pounds of marijuana, three ounces of cocaine, 2.3 ounces of heroin, and $6,491.”
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Cooper Moran is a reporter for The Georgia Star News and The Star News Network. Email tips to [email protected].
Photo “David Estes” by United States Department of Justice. Photo “Georgia Department of Justice” by United States Department of Justice.
