Multiple people from Columbus sentenced in case of drug ring distributing methamphetamine

Kelby Hutchison
·1 min read

The leader of an armed drug trafficking organization in Georgia has been sentenced to 40 years in prison, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia.

The U.S. attorney’s office said Cornelius Leonard, aka “Tae,” 29, of Grantville, Georgia, obtained at least 250 kilograms of methamphetamine from a prisoner and then distributed the drugs into west central Georgia including Columbus.

Leonard previously pleaded guilty to the following, according to the U.S. Attorney’s office:

  • One count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances

  • One count of distribution of methamphetamine

  • One count of conspiracy to tamper with a witness

“Cornelius Leonard and those involved in pushing more than 250 kilograms of methamphetamine into Thomaston and Columbus have been held accountable for their part in this armed drug trafficking organization causing harm in these communities,” U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary said in a statement.

Four co-defendants in this case were from the Columbus area, according to the release.

They are as follows, according to the release:

Horatio Venable, aka “Ray Ray,” 27, who was sentenced to 144 months in prison after he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

Rashard Moreland, 38, who was sentenced to 40 months in prison after he pleaded guilty to use of a telecommunications facility in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

Antovious Hunter, aka “Ant,” 41, who was sentenced to 37 months in prison after he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

Lastly, Dustin Robbins, 34, who was sentenced to 36 months in prison after he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine.