MACON, Ga. — The alleged leader of a Central Georgia drug trafficking ring faces life in prison after pleading guilty in federal court on Tuesday, according to a press release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia.
They say Julian Derwayne Coker - a 43-year-old Macon man also known as ‘Red’ and ‘Bread Red’ - pleaded guilty of possession with intent to sell methamphetamine, and faces a minimum of 15 years to a maximum of life in prison. He also faces a $20,000,000 fine.
“Armed drug trafficking organizations promote violence and sow chaos in our communities,” U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary said. “Our office is committed to disrupting criminal networks, reducing gun violence and building safer communities.”
Per court documents and statements in court, Coker and his associates sold methamphetamine to undercover FBI agents multiple times throughout 2022.
The press release says that when agents searched Coker’s home, they found 25 pounds of crystal meth, in addition to methamphetamine pills. They also found a handgun and $14,000, per the release.
Four of Coker’s codefendants were also sentenced to prison as part of this case. Jonathan McBride, Lisa McNeer and Rodney Hardin face a maximum of 20 years in prison for distribution of methamphetamine. Erin Jones will serve 48 months in prison for the same charge.
“Drug trafficking organizations disrupt society and poison our communities with violence and illegal drugs,” GBI Director Chris Hosey said. “Their actions threaten the safety of the citizens of Georgia, and the GBI and our partners will not allow these organizations to go unchecked. This case is an example of this commitment to protect the communities of Georgia and hold criminals accountable.”
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