Michael Ferrell Price, a 68-year-old from Ball Ground, Georgia, has been sentenced to over seven years in federal prison for serious charges including drug trafficking and illegal possession of guns and explosives, officials announced earlier this week. Price, who was known by the moniker "Cheese," ran a methamphetamine operation alongside an unlawful moonshine distillery, all this while holding an arsenal of over 150 firearms and a variety of explosive devices.
The U.S. Attorney's Office statement detailed that the investigation into Price's illegal activities began in September 2024, and after a warrant was executed in October, the Cherokee Multi-Agency Narcotics Squad discovered a startling amount of crystal meth, gallons of homemade moonshine and an extensive collection of firearms that included machine guns, and stolen and unregistered weapons, which Price was forbidden to possess due to his history with methamphetamine abuse.
Upon sentencing, U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg emphasized the danger Price posed to the community, stating, "Price posed a clear danger to the community by selling methamphetamine and distilling moonshine while maintaining an illegal stash of explosive devices and more than 150 firearms." This sentiment was echoed by Major Walter Jones, who highlighted the potential tragedy at the intersection of drug trafficking and weapon stockpiling. Speaking to the U.S. Attorney's Office, he said, "Stockpiling weapons while trafficking drugs is a recipe for tragedy." He further added that Price’s sentencing should make clear that those who choose that path will face serious consequences.
The collaborative effort between federal agents and local law enforcement was integral to bringing Price to justice, a fact emphasized by ATF Assistant Special Agent in Charge Beau Kolodka, who praised the combined resources and expertise as key to dismantling the criminal operation, the cooperation was instrumental in navigating the case to its conclusion, ensuring the removal of a substantial threat to public safety and upholding the rule of law. Price pleaded guilty on May 7, and was handed an 87-month prison sentence on August 21, by United States District Judge Eleanor L. Ross, as per a U.S. Attorney's Office press release, following his conviction for methamphetamine possession with the intent to distribute, and possession of a firearm by an unlawful drug user.
In the wake of this case, the U.S. Attorney’s Office suggests families educate themselves about the dangers of drugs through resources like www.justthinktwice.gov and www.getsmartaboutdrugs.gov, this is part of a broader initiative to inform and protect the community against substance abuse and its ancillary dangers. For those wanting more information, they can also 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.
