Two residents of Southwest Georgia have pleaded guilty to federal charges following an investigation by multiple law enforcement agencies. Justin Harris Vinson from Warwick and Shana Rae Black from Cordele admitted their involvement in an armed methamphetamine distribution ring. They now face a mandatory minimum of ten years in prison, possible life imprisonment, supervised release after confinement, and fines up to $10 million, according to the Department of Justice.

According to the Department of Justice release, U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary: "Repeat convicted felons who illegally arm themselves and distribute the most highly addictive and dangerous drugs into our communities will face federal consequences for these crimes."

Press releases from the Department of Justice provide details on the defendants' criminal histories and the operation that led to their arrest. Vinson has been involved in the drug trade in South Georgia and North Florida for most of his adult life, reportedly claiming significant sales during the COVID-19 pandemic. Black was arrested with nearly a kilogram of methamphetamine that had a dangerously high purity.

The arrests were made possible through strategic partnerships among law enforcement agencies, with the Crisp County Sheriff's Office using a confidential informant and the GBI deploying an undercover agent. Methamphetamine was central to the operation that led to the arrests of Black and Vinson, both of whom had prior convictions for similar offenses. DEA Special Agent in Charge Robert J. Murphy stated, "DEA will use any resource necessary to remove these career criminals from our streets," as per the Department of Justice release. The sentencing dates are yet to be scheduled by Chief U.S. District Judge Leslie Gardner.