Two members of the GoodFellas street gang, based in Atlanta, have received notable prison sentences for their roles in a drug and illegal arms operation. Corey Boyer, also known as Baby Joker, and Antonio Smith, known by the alias Ace, were convicted on charges related to distributing methamphetamine, and in Smith's case, unlawful possession of a machine gun among other offenses.
U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg detailed that the pair operated out of a "fortified trap house" to support the gang's activities, which have been a cause for concern in the metro-Atlanta area. The law enforcement's crackdown on gang activities has been a priority, with a focus on those "who pose a clear and present danger to our community," according to an official statement from Hertzberg. Smith's attempt to escape, utilising a window as an exit route and his subsequent capture with a weapon in his possession, underscored the risk posed by such individuals.
As conveyed by FBI Special Agent in Charge Paul Brown, these sentences are part of a concerted effort by federal and local agencies to dismantle criminal networks that fuel gang violence and trafficking. The collaborative approach, as emphasized by ATF Assistant Special Agent in Charge Beau Kolodka, is key to handling violent gang activity efficiently and ensuring legal repercussions for those involved.
Boyer's arrest yielded firearms, ammunition, and an assortment of drugs in the searched apartment. Smith was found trafficking not just narcotics but firearms and conversion devices, which are of particular concern to law enforcement agencies. "Their sentencing sends a strong message that the FBI, along with our law enforcement partners, will continue to dismantle drug networks and remove violent offenders from our streets to ensure the safety of metro-Atlanta residents," Brown stated in a release.
Smith was sentenced to 14 years and 2 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release. Boyer received a sentence of 12 years and 6 months, also followed by a supervised release period of 5 years. Their convictions were part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that aims at repelling the invasion of illegal immigration, and dismantling cartels and transnational criminal organizations. The investigation was a collective effort involving the FBI with assistance from the ATF, Fulton County Sheriff’s Office, and the Atlanta Police Department.
Assistant United States Attorney Lauren E. Renaud was the prosecutor for this case. Individuals seeking more information on this case, or the broader efforts against organized crime in the region are directed to contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office, or visit the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia's website.
