Another Operation Sweet Silence Defendant Convicted at Trial

COLUMBUS, Ga. - Fernando Brown, also known as "Nino," 33 of Columbus, a repeat offender, was convicted today by a federal jury of distributing methamphetamine, cocaine and marijuana while armed. A total of 30 defendants has now either been convicted at trial or pleaded guilty to drug charges resulting from Operation Sweet Silence, a multi-agency law enforcement effort in and around Columbus as part of Operation Take Back America, the Department of Justice's nationwide effort cracking down on criminal organizations and cartels.

Following a four-day trial, the jury found Brown guilty of conspiring to traffic methamphetamine, cocaine, and more than 100 pounds of marijuana and possessing a firearm in furtherance of his drug trafficking. The defendant faces a maximum sentence of life in prison. Sentencing is scheduled for July 22. There is no parole in the federal system.

"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."

"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."

"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."

"This investigation represents the very best of law enforcement collaboration," said Jae W. Chung, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division. "Federal, state, and local partners worked side by side for years to uncover the full scope of this criminal enterprise and ensuring every individual responsible face justice. With the conviction of this defendant, we are getting closer to holding all individuals involved accountable. Our communities are safer today because of the dedication and teamwork of the investigators and prosecutors, and we are committed to bringing this case to a successful conclusion."

"We won't stop until the criminal activity stops," said Muscogee County Sheriff Greg Countryman. "There is strength in collaboration when we combine our resources to go after criminal enterprises involving street gangs, drug dealers and convicted felons. We will continue this fight for safer streets and a safer community."

According to court documents and statements referenced at trial, federal and local law enforcement conducted Operation Sweet Silence from August 2022 until May 2024, an extensive investigation in the illegal activities of the Zohannon criminal street gang involving armed drug trafficking. During this extensive investigation, agents discovered that Brown, who is not a member of the Zohannon organization, was working with others to dominate the illegal drug market in Columbus by supplying methamphetamine, marijuana, and cocaine.

Trial evidence revealed that Brown was captured on a wiretap discussing the distribution of methamphetamine, marijuana, and cocaine. During the execution of search warrants at Brown's drug trap house on 10th Street and his residence on Rosewood Street, both in Columbus, law enforcement seized methamphetamine, marijuana, cocaine, and seven firearms.

Cocaine hidden under a sink and seized at trap house:

Semi-automatic pistol and ammunition seized at trap house:

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 seven years and three 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 seven years and six months in prison for drug possession with intent to distribute.

Nicholas Fitzpatrick, 30, was sentenced to five years and ten 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 11 years and eight 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 five years and 11 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 11 years and three 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 three years and one month in prison for illegally possessing a machine gun.

Malik Williams, 27, was sentenced to four years and three months in prison for drug possession with intent to distribute.

The final defendant was arrested today and is charged by federal indictment:

Leonard Campbell, 37, 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 life in prison.

An indictment is only an allegation of criminal conduct, and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs) and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

The case was investigated by the FBI, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the Muscogee County, Georgia, Sheriff's Office with critical assistance from the Harris County, Georgia, Sheriff's Office; the Russell County, Alabama, Sheriff's Office; the Coweta County, Georgia, Sheriff's Office; and the Muscogee County District Attorney's Office.

Deputy Criminal Chief Veronica Hansis for the Middle District of Georgia and Trial Attorney Matthew Mattis of the Criminal Division's Violent Crime and Racketeering Section (VCRS) are prosecuting the case.