Macon Times

Two Southwest Georgia residents with criminal histories have pleaded guilty to federal charges stemming from an armed drug trafficking investigation conducted by multiple law enforcement agencies.

Justin Harris Vinson, 42, of Warwick, Georgia, pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of methamphetamine on September 17. Co-defendant Shana Rae Black, 34, of Cordele, Georgia, pleaded guilty to the same charge on August 15. Both defendants face a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years and up to life imprisonment, 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. Sentencing dates will be determined by the Court as there is no parole in the federal system.

“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,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Our office is working closely with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies to identify 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,” stated Robert J. Murphy, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Division. “DEA will use any resource necessary to remove these career criminals from our streets.”

“Methamphetamine is a highly addictive drug with devastating consequences to users, their families and communities,” said Supervisory Senior Resident Agent Richard Bilson of FBI Atlanta’s Albany office. “This prosecution closes a pipeline for dangerous drugs flowing into the streets of Southwest Georgia.”

“We are committed to holding those who traffic methamphetamine accountable,” said GBI Director Chris Hosey. “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," stated Crisp County Sheriff Billy Hancock. "Methamphetamine trafficking brings dangerous consequences to our community, often resulting in tragedy and loss of life."

According to court documents and statements referenced in court proceedings, a confidential informant (CI) working with the Crisp County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) contacted Black on Facebook on October 27, 2022, to obtain methamphetamine. Black sold approximately 111 grams at a Perry motel; during this transaction, a pistol was observed next to a bulk quantity of methamphetamine.

On October 31, an undercover Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) agent purchased methamphetamine from Black under audio and video surveillance at Walmart in Cordele.

On November 2, FBI agents coordinated another CI purchase from Vinson at his Warwick residence before traveling together to meet Black at Sunrise Inn in Cordele where she provided 284.4 grams of methamphetamine.

Black was arrested on November 7 while returning from McDonough; her vehicle contained nearly one kilogram of high-purity methamphetamine among other items related to drug distribution.

Vinson continued operations until January when he sold substantial quantities again observed under surveillance; his residence search revealed multiple firearms alongside narcotics paraphernalia.

Both Vinson’s prior felony conviction for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine occurred in Lee County Superior Court while Black’s similar conviction was recorded in Jones County Superior Court.

The case has been investigated by FBI along with DEA GBI & CCSO assisted by Assistant U.S Attorney Matthew Redavid prosecuting it for Government