A multi-agency investigation into an alleged drug trafficking network in Athens led to the unsealing of two federal indictments and one criminal complaint charging a total of 17 people, including four from Jefferson, for their involvement with distributing fentanyl and cocaine in the area.
The United States Attorney’s Office of the Middle District of Georgia said 13 federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies assisted in executing 12 search warrants in Athens and Atlanta Tuesday.
While executing the search warrant, authorities reportedly seized 26 firearms, including 12 rifles and a grenade launcher that was found at a location in Jefferson. Officers also discovered 26 kilograms of cocaine with an estimated street value of $780,000; 1.7 kilograms of fentanyl with an estimated street value of $60,000; approximately 500 grams of methamphetamine; 5.14 ounces of crack cocaine; 2.4 pounds of marijuana; 128 controlled pharmaceuticals; and $63,532 in cash. A total of 13 people were arrested during the searches.
The first unsealed indictment was filed on May 14, 2025 and charged the following individuals:
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Alicio Yanez-Pineda, aka “Cochito,” 48, of Mexico, is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances.
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Josue Serda, 26, of Jefferson, is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, four counts of distribution of fentanyl, one count of distribution of methamphetamine and one count of distribution of methamphetamine where a person under 18 was present.
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Ulises Borja, aka “Liche,” 33, of Cedartown, Georgia, is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances.
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Travis Arnold, aka “Trav,” 33, of Athens, is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, nine counts of distribution of fentanyl, one count of distribution of methamphetamine, one count of distribution of methamphetamine where a person under 18 was present, one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and one count of maintaining a drug-involved premises.
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Ariel Collins, 32, of Athens, is charged with one count of maintaining a drug-involved premises.
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Patrick Wilkins, 32, of Athens, is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and three counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
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Edgar Jara, 27, of Jefferson, is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances.
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Tyler Parr, 27, of Jefferson, is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances.
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Gregory Robinson, 32, of Athens, is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, two counts of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, two counts of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, one count of distribution of fentanyl, one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, one count of possession with intent to distribute oxycodone and one count of maintaining drug involved premises.
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Deshun Muckle, 51, of Athens, is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and one count of distribution of fentanyl.
Meanwhile, a second unsealed indictment filed on Aug. 12 charges the following individuals:
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Orlando Muckle, aka “Lando,” 51, of Athens, is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, four counts of distribution of cocaine, one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine and one count of maintaining drug involved premises.
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Joey Campbell, aka “Jay,” 41, of Winterville, Georgia, is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and one count of distribution of fentanyl.
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Bernard Walker, aka “Nard,” 53, of Athens, is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and five counts of distribution of fentanyl.
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Lanier Cooper, aka “Nier,” 22, of Athens, is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and one count of maintaining drug involved premises.
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Myles Kolbe Cooper, aka “Wop,” 27, of Athens, is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, two counts of distribution of fentanyl and one count of maintaining drug involved premises.
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Tommy Lee Smith, 65, of Athens, is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine base.
Additionally, an unsealed criminal complaint charges Halie Marie Money, 26, of Jefferson, with one count of possession of a firearm by an unlawful drug user. According to the complaint, Money and Serda were found unconscious in an Athens parking lot with what appeared to be fentanyl on June 20.
The initial appearances for the defendants will occur in the U.S. Magistrate Court in Macon, Georgia .Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Morrison is prosecuting the case for the Government.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2025/8/1299523/17-charged-in-alleged-fentanyl-cocaine-distribution-ring-in-athens-jefferson