James Lewallen Meeks, a Georgia Department of Corrections inmate, and his two co-conspirators, Jamey Michael Latty and Mark Anthony Powell, have been sentenced to federal prison for their involvement in a violent drug trafficking ring in Northwest Georgia.
While serving time for a violent crime in a Georgia Correctional Facility, Meeks continued his illicit activities by brokering several illegal firearm and drug transactions, coordinating with Latty and Powell. U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan stated, “Meeks will now serve 20 years in federal prison after completing his state sentence, while his co-defendants will also face significant prison time.”
The case highlights the ongoing efforts to prevent drug trafficking and criminal activities, with ATF Assistant Special Agent in Charge Alicia Jones emphasizing the commitment to pursuing the leaders of violent drug enterprises. DEA Special Agent Robert J. Murphy also reinforced their dedication to combating the harm caused by criminal trafficking organizations.
Meeks, incarcerated at Wheeler Correctional Facility in Alamo, Georgia, used a contraband cell phone to facilitate the sale of firearms and drugs. In March 2022, he coordinated with Latty to sell methamphetamine in Rockmart, Georgia, and a Glock pistol in Cave Springs, Georgia. Meeks also worked with Powell to sell methamphetamine, fentanyl, and xylazine in Carrollton, Georgia, while Powell provided ammunition and firearms, including a silenced UZI rifle.
The operation unraveled in June 2022, when Latty was arrested with approximately one kilogram of methamphetamine, and Powell led authorities on a chase, tossing a kilogram of methamphetamine out of his truck. Law enforcement seized firearms and drugs during the investigation, leading to the convictions of all three men.
After fleeing the state, Latty was eventually apprehended by U.S. Deputy Marshals in Collinsville, Alabama.
All three men pleaded guilty to drug trafficking and firearm-related offenses. U.S. District Judge William M. Ray, II sentenced them as follows:
James Lewallen Meeks, 39, of Dallas, Georgia, was sentenced to 20 years in prison, followed by eight years of supervised release, to be served consecutively with his state sentence.
Jamey Michael Latty, 45, of Centre, Alabama, received a sentence of 15 years and one month in prison, followed by five years of supervised release.
Mark Anthony Powell, 43, of Jackson, Georgia, was sentenced to 10 years and seven months in prison, followed by eight years of supervised release.
This investigation was a collaborative effort between the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, Georgia law enforcement agencies, and the U.S. Marshals Service.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Rebeca M. Ojeda prosecuted the case.
