Deadly drug fentanyl seized in federal probe in Athens, 8 suspects indicted
The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Macon announced late Wednesday that a major federal drug investigation in Athens has resulted in the indictment of eight people along with the seizure of firearms and a large amount of the deadly drug fentanyl.
During the course of the investigation, officers reported seizing about 7.7 pounds of fentanyl, a drug that has been attributed to numerous overdose deaths in Athens.
Of the 14 drug-associated overdose deaths reported in Athens this year, 10 are believed connected to fentanyl, according to Athens-Clarke County Coroner Sonny Wilson.
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The amount of fentanyl seized is the largest amount ever in Athens that is linked to one investigation, although the fentanyl was seized from several locations, according to Athens-Clarke police, which assisted in the investigation.
In addition, over the course of the investigation officers reported seizing a kilogram of heroin and 313 grams, or about 11 ounces, of methamphetamine. Also seized were 21 firearms including three machine guns, 16 pistols, an AK-47 rifle and one shotgun, along with $116,567 in money linked to drugs, according to the 28-count federal indictment that was not unsealed until December 2022.
One of the suspects, Christopher Lorenzo King, was not captured until late Wednesday. Earlier in the day, the U.S. Attorney announced that King was wanted as a fugitive.
King, 34, of Fourth Street, Athens, was booked into the Athens-Clarke County jail shortly after 11 p.m. He remains in jail without bond on a hold from the U.S. Marshal’s Office.
King, along with James Jerome “Keith” Hill, 40; Jasmine Jackson, 28; and Kristopher “Soldier” Ellison, 32; all of Athens; and, Jose Camacho, 22, of Colbert, each face numerous charges in the indictment including conspiracy to distribute heroin, fentanyl, meth and cocaine.
Jackson has been released from custody on bond. King faces life in prison if convicted, according to the federal statement.
Hill, a convicted felon, is also charged with possession of firearms in connection with drug trafficking and maintaining a location for the handling of drugs.
The federal investigators also reported that drug trafficking in the case occurred at several locations in northeast Georgia, but mostly in Athens at a location on Chateau Terrace and in the Fairfield Inn and Suites and Howard Johnson’s motel. A location on Hardman Morris Road in Colbert was also identified as a place where drugs were dealt.
The other defendants indicted as a result of the probe are Lanel “LC” Chambers, 44, of Lilburn; Michael Arnold, 50; Antonio Young, 38; Hendrex “Hen” Nicely, 34; and, Favian “Favo” Curry, 41, all of Athens.
The multi-agency investigation is part of a federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force operation.
This article originally appeared on Athens Banner-Herald: Federal agents announce major drug ring busted in Athens
