A federal jury has convicted a Georgia man on drug trafficking and firearms charges in a case tied to a broader multi-agency investigation that has now resulted in 30 convictions or guilty pleas, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
Fernando Brown, 33, of Columbus, was found guilty of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, cocaine and marijuana, as well as possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. Prosecutors said the jury also found that Brown distributed large quantities of drugs while armed. He faces a potential sentence of life in prison. Sentencing is scheduled for July 22.
The conviction is part of Operation Sweet Silence, a multi-agency investigation conducted in the Columbus area between August 2022 and May 2024 targeting drug trafficking activity linked to a street gang network. Federal officials said the operation has led to 30 defendants either pleading guilty or being convicted at trial.
Prosecutors alleged that Brown worked with others to distribute methamphetamine, cocaine and marijuana in the Columbus area. Evidence presented at trial included intercepted communications in which Brown allegedly discussed drug distribution.
Authorities said search warrants executed at two Columbus properties linked to Brown led to the seizure of methamphetamine, cocaine, marijuana and seven firearms.
Officials described Operation Sweet Silence as part of a broader federal initiative targeting drug trafficking organizations. Law enforcement agencies involved in the investigation included the FBI, the Drug Enforcement Administration and local sheriff’s offices in Georgia and Alabama.
Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division said the case reflects ongoing efforts to prosecute large-scale drug trafficking operations and related violent crime.
“This defendant was responsible for trafficking large quantities of methamphetamine, cocaine, and marijuana in the Columbus, Georgia area,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “His crimes fueled violence and harmed the community until federal, state, and local law enforcement worked together to dismantle this criminal organization. The Department of Justice remains committed to prosecuting those who traffic dangerous drugs and threaten the safety of our communities.”
U.S. Attorney William R. Keyes for the Middle District of Georgia said prosecutors and law enforcement agencies will continue pursuing cases tied to the investigation.
“Although this case closes a significant chapter in Operation Sweet Silence, our commitment to dismantling armed drug trafficking organizations is unwavering,” said U.S. Attorney William R. “Will” Keyes for the Middle District of Georgia. “Together, law enforcement and prosecutors will continue to pursue those who threaten the safety of the communities we serve and bring them to justice.”
“Criminal Street gangs were responsible for a wave of violent crime in and around Columbus,” said Assistant Special Agent in Charge Richard Bilson of the FBI’s Atlanta Field Office. “Columbus is a safer place now that the FBI and our partners have effectively dismantled this armed drug trafficking organization. The FBI and our law enforcement partners will continue to work together to keep our streets safe.”
Other defendants, all from Columbus unless otherwise indicated, were indicted across nine separate indictments and have pleaded guilty or been convicted at trial, with some already sentenced by the court. Operation Sweet Silence defendants are:
- Freddie Bowens, also known as Profit, 27, was sentenced to 30 months in prison for the illegal possession of a machine gun.
- LaBrandon Brown, 31, was sentenced to four years in prison for using a phone to facilitate a drug offense.
- Jantzen Carter, 40, of Waverly Hall, GA, was sentenced to 10 years in prison for drug conspiracy.
- Ulises Cervantes, 33, pleaded guilty to drug conspiracy and is awaiting sentencing.
- Anthony Champion, 46, was sentenced to 87 months in prison for drug conspiracy.
- Trenton Clemons, 48, was sentenced to 25 years in prison for drug conspiracy.
- Dequindre Dawson, 33, was sentenced to 90 months in prison for drug possession with intent to distribute.
- Nicholas Fitzpatrick, 30, was sentenced to 70 months in prison for drug conspiracy.
- Terry Gash, 54, pleaded guilty to drug conspiracy and is awaiting sentencing.
- Undrae Hayes, 37, was sentenced to eight years in prison for drug conspiracy.
- Roderick Hicks, 59, was sentenced to 140 months in prison for drug conspiracy.
- Christopher Hill, 36, was sentenced to two years in prison for using a phone to facilitate a drug offense.
- Marquez Holloway, 32, was convicted at trial of drug conspiracy and drug distribution and is awaiting sentencing.
- Darius Jenkins, 24, was sentenced to 18 months in prison for drug conspiracy.
- Jeffrey Kimbrough, 29, was sentenced to three years of probation for drug conspiracy.
- Hykeem Lomax, 33, pleaded guilty to using a phone to facilitate a drug offense and is awaiting sentencing.
- Quadarius Lusk, 30, pleaded guilty to using a phone to facilitate a drug offense and is awaiting sentencing.
- Aundray Morgan, 39, pleaded guilty to using a phone to facilitate a drug offense and is awaiting sentencing.
- Tommie Mullins Jr., also known as TJ, also known as Bo, also known as Mini, 31, was sentenced to 20 years in prison for drug conspiracy.
- Javonta Paden, 25, was sentenced to 71 months in prison for drug conspiracy.
- Adrian Palmer, also known as AP, 25, was sentenced to 14 years in prison for drug possession with intent to distribute.
- Adrian Pleasants, 29, was sentenced to 20 months in prison for drug conspiracy.
- Derrick Porter, 54, pleaded guilty to drug conspiracy and is awaiting sentencing.
- Dahvontay Richardson, 28, was sentenced to 33 months in prison for drug conspiracy.
- Trenton Thomas, also known as Bubble, 25, was sentenced to 135 months in prison for drug conspiracy.
- Juan Carlos Torres-Arzapalo, 41, pleaded guilty to drug conspiracy and is awaiting sentencing.
- Corey Turner, also known as Lito Red, 33, was sentenced to 20 years in prison for drug conspiracy.
- Jhy’Keith Williams, 24, was sentenced to 37 months in prison for illegally possessing a machine gun.
- Malik Williams, 27, was sentenced to 51 months in prison for drug possession with intent to distribute.
- Leonard Campbell, 36, of Columbus, is charged with conspiracy to possess a controlled substance with intent to distribute, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. He is facing a maximum penalty of life in prison.
The defendants in the broader case include individuals who have received prison sentences ranging from probation to 25 years, while others are awaiting sentencing. Charges include drug conspiracy, drug distribution and firearms offenses.
Federal officials said the investigation remains ongoing.
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