Macon Times

A Macon resident, Julian Derwayne Coker, also known as "Red" or "Bread Red," has pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. The leader of an armed drug trafficking organization in Middle Georgia, Coker faces a potential life sentence following his plea on October 22. He could receive a minimum of 15 years up to life in prison, along with ten years of supervised release and a $20 million fine.

Several codefendants have also entered guilty pleas. Jonathan Kelly McBride, Rodney Sentell Hardin, Lisa Nanette McNeer, and Erin Marie Jones have all admitted to charges related to methamphetamine distribution. Their sentences range from potential decades-long imprisonment to already imposed terms.

U.S. District Judge Marc Treadwell is overseeing the case. Sentencing dates for those awaiting judgment will be set by the court; federal sentences do not include parole.

“Armed drug trafficking organizations promote violence and sow chaos in our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Our office is committed to disrupting criminal networks, reducing gun violence and building safer communities.”

Supervisory Senior Resident Agent Robert Gibbs of FBI Atlanta’s Macon office commented on the impact of these arrests: “The streets are safer, and Georgians can sleep a little easier knowing that these armed drug dealers are locked up and their days of peddling drugs in our communities are over.”

GBI Director Chris Hosey added: “Drug trafficking organizations disrupt society and poison our communities with violence and illegal drugs... This case is an example of this commitment to protect the communities of Georgia and hold criminals accountable.”

Court documents reveal that the FBI began investigating Coker's organization in 2022 through controlled purchases and other methods. The investigation led agents to execute search warrants at multiple locations on November 15, 2022, including Coker's residence where they discovered significant quantities of methamphetamine.

This case forms part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) operation aimed at dismantling high-level criminal organizations threatening U.S. security through coordinated efforts among various agencies.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Joy Odom is prosecuting the case for the government.