Executive Summary
- Twelve defendants have pleaded guilty to federal charges in a major methamphetamine distribution operation in Georgia.
- The organization smuggled over 3,200 kilograms of methamphetamine from Mexico, which was concealed in shipments of jalapeño peppers.
- An investigation led to the discovery of a conversion lab in Monroe, Georgia, where a ledger showed nearly 1,550 kg of meth had been processed.
- Sentences issued so far range up to 292 months in prison, with several defendants awaiting sentencing and facing potential life sentences.
ATLANTA – A dozen defendants have pleaded guilty to federal charges in connection with a large-scale methamphetamine distribution network that smuggled the drug from Mexico into Georgia hidden in boxes of jalapeños, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Court documents revealed the organization operated a conversion laboratory in Monroe, Georgia, and distributed more than 3,200 kilograms of methamphetamine in 2024.
The federal investigation began in January 2024 after agents received information that James Len Ramey, 53, was selling kilogram quantities of the drug from an auto lube shop in Athens where he was employed. The investigation led authorities to a residence in Monroe, where they discovered an active methamphetamine conversion lab. Agents found drugs concealed within truckloads of jalapeños shipped from Mexico, with a significant amount of rotting peppers and discarded boxes located in the backyard.
U.S. Attorney William R. Keyes stated, “This Operation Take Back America case amplifies the kind of major law enforcement efforts occurring across the Middle District of Georgia, focused on breaking dangerous cartels and armed drug trafficking organizations that destroy lives.”
A significant break in the case occurred on June 30, 2024, when a truck driven by Kendell Cawthon, 60, was stopped by Georgia State Patrol, leading to the discovery of approximately 20 kilograms of pure methamphetamine. A subsequent search of the Monroe residence in August resulted in the seizure of over four kilograms of finished crystal methamphetamine and enough liquid methamphetamine to produce an estimated 300 additional kilograms. A drug ledger found at the scene indicated that 1,546.5 kilograms of methamphetamine had been converted at the lab over a six-month period.
Sentences have already been handed down for several defendants. Christopher Hyatt, 46, of LaGrange, received 292 months in prison. Uriel Garcia, 34, was sentenced to 240 months, and Jared Kenyatta Calhoun, 33, received 210 months. Seven other defendants, including Ramey and Cawthon, are scheduled for sentencing in early 2026 and face potential maximum sentences of life in prison with mandatory minimums of 10 to 20 years.
“Methamphetamine destroys families, fuels violent crime and erodes the safety of our neighborhoods,” said Robert J. Murphy, special agent in charge of the DEA Atlanta Division. The multi-agency investigation involved the FBI, DEA, Georgia Bureau of Investigation, and several local law enforcement departments. It is important to note that all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.