Ten individuals have been sentenced for their involvement in an armed drug trafficking organization following Operation Sweet Silence, a joint investigation that removed firearms and illegal drugs from Columbus, Georgia.
U.S. Attorney William R. “Will” Keyes commented on the case, stating, “This case represents the comprehensive efforts being deployed to target and dismantle the most dangerous criminal organizations and hold their members accountable in Columbus and across the Middle District of Georgia. Prosecutors and law enforcement at every level are working together to combat armed trafficking organizations that threaten our community.”
Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division said, “These defendants operated an armed drug trafficking network that distributed large quantities of highly addictive drugs in Columbus, Georgia. Methamphetamine and cocaine destroy lives, fracture families, fuel violence and are a scourge in our communities. The Justice Department will continue holding those who engage in the armed drug trade to account and ensure safety for our law-abiding citizens and families.”
Peter Ellis, Acting Special Agent in Charge of FBI Georgia, stated, “These ten defendants were key players in an armed drug trafficking organization that poisoned our community with dangerous substances like methamphetamine and cocaine. The sentences imposed reflect the severe consequences for those who choose to fuel this deadly trade. The FBI remains committed to holding accountable those who engage in these violent criminal activities and ensuring the safety of our communities.”
Jae W. Chung, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division added, “Drug trafficking organizations don’t just deal drugs—they bring guns, violence and instability into our neighborhoods. The significant prison sentences imposed today reflect the serious danger these defendants posed and the harm caused by flooding our communities with methamphetamine, cocaine, and other illicit drugs.”
Muscogee County Sheriff Greg Countryman said, “We won’t stop until the criminal activity stops. We will continue to place pressure on criminal enterprises to put them out of business. By working together through our law enforcement partnerships and the federal justice system, we have ensured that Tommy Mullins will be out of business for a long time.”
According to court documents and statements made during proceedings, Tommie Mullins Jr., identified as leader of the group and a member of the Zohannon street gang, directed operations distributing large amounts of methamphetamine, cocaine, and marijuana throughout Columbus.
The sentences handed down by the court are as follows: Tommie Mullins Jr., 31 years old, received 20 years; Trenton Clemons received 25 years; Anthony Champion was sentenced to seven years and three months; Corey Turner got 20 years; Adrian Palmer was sentenced to 14 years; Trenton Thomas received 11 years and three months; Javonta Paden got five years and eleven months; Christopher Hill was sentenced to two years; Adrian Pleasants received one year and eight months; Darius Jenkins was sentenced to one year and six months.
Investigators used wiretaps on phones belonging to Mullins Jr. and others involved in order to monitor activities. Surveillance confirmed that several members regularly met at Mullins’ residence before conducting drug sales elsewhere.
In March 2023, intercepted calls showed Corey Turner arranging narcotics sales after visiting Mullins’ house. This pattern was repeated by other members under direction from both Turner and Mullins.
Further surveillance captured transactions involving half-kilogram quantities sold between group members such as Hill and Champion. Wiretapped conversations also revealed travel plans involving Thomas, Paden, Pleasants, and Palmer flying from Seattle back to Columbus with large amounts of marijuana concealed in luggage—232 pounds were seized at the airport after a K9 unit detected narcotics odor.
A separate search led authorities to seize over $29,000 from Mullins believed to be proceeds from drug sales. Evidence also showed Thomas and Palmer used Jenkins for street-level distribution.
On April 15th 2024 Mullins traveled with Clemons from Columbus to Atlanta where they obtained four pounds of nearly pure methamphetamine later found during a traffic stop.
This prosecution is part of Operation Take Back America—a national effort by federal agencies including Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) aimed at disrupting transnational criminal organizations involved in violent crime.
The investigation included work by FBI agents; DEA personnel; Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office; Harris County Sheriff’s Office; Russell County (Alabama) Sheriff’s Office; Coweta County Sheriff’s Office; Sacramento (California) Sheriff’s Office; as well as support from Muscogee County District Attorney’s Office.
Deputy Criminal Chief Veronica Hansis for Middle District of Georgia along with Trial Attorney Matthew Mattis prosecuted this case.
