Multiple defendants have been indicted by the May term of the federal Grand Jury in the Southern District of Georgia on federal drug trafficking charges, according to a May 14 announcement from Margaret E. “Meg” Heap, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia.
Those facing federal charges include Tyriquez McFadden, 39, and Nichael Lessey, 44, both of Augusta. They are charged in a five-count indictment with Possession with Intent to Distribute 400 Grams or More of Fentanyl; Possession with Intent to Distribute 28 Grams or More of Crack Cocaine; Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine; Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime; and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Jacquez Sturgis, 36, also from Augusta, is indicted for Possession with Intent to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine. Roman Kelly, 51, from Augusta as well, is indicted for Possession with Intent to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine; Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin; and Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine.
The charges carry statutory penalties up to life in prison along with substantial financial penalties and supervised release upon completion of any prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Criminal indictments contain only charges; defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty,” Heap said.
The cases were investigated by the Drug Enforcement Agency and local law enforcement partners and are being prosecuted for the United States by Southern District of Georgia Assistant United States Attorneys Joshua Kyle Davis and Kelsey L. Scanlon.
The U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia prosecutes federal crimes and manages civil litigation for the United States while operating under the Department of Justice umbrella. The office employs about 70 attorneys and support staff at its headquarters in Savannah as well as a staffed branch in Augusta. It promotes community safety through programs such as Project Safe Neighborhoods and has been recognized nationally for its successful prosecutions, according to its official website.
