Armed Meth Dealer Faces Life in Prison in Operation Take Back America Case

COLUMBUS, Ga. - A Columbus resident is facing up to life in prison for distributing methamphetamine in the city, the result of an Operation Take Back America investigation conducted by federal, state, and local law enforcement in the community.

Demetric Thomas, aka "Meatball," 38, of Columbus, pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of methamphetamine before U.S. District Judge Clay Land on October 26. Thomas faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years up to a maximum of life in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, and a maximum $10 million fine. The sentencing date will be determined by the Court. There is no parole in the federal system.

"This case reflects the continued results of our coordinated efforts to hold armed drug traffickers accountable in Columbus and across the Middle District of Georgia," said U.S. Attorney William R. 'Will' Keyes. "Through Operation Take Back America, our office and our law enforcement partners are dismantling the networks that fuel violence and threaten community safety."

"Methamphetamine trafficking puts our communities at risk, particularly when drug distributors operate alongside stolen firearms and other dangerous drugs," said Thomas Clark, Senior Supervisory Special Agent from FBI Atlanta's Columbus office. "The FBI and our partners remain committed to disrupting drug trafficking networks and holding dangerous offenders accountable."

"This case demonstrates our ongoing efforts to target armed drug traffickers causing havoc in the Middle District of Georgia," said Michael J. Connolly, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division. "Working alongside our law enforcement partners, we are committed to disrupting drug trafficking operations and protecting the communities we serve."

"Drugs such as methamphetamine endanger lives and leave lasting damage in families and communities," said GBI Director Chris Hosey. "Collaborative law enforcement efforts like Operation Take Back America are vital to disrupting drug trafficking. Georgians deserve safe, drug-free communities, and we remain committed to purging these dangerous substances from our streets."

"This type of illegal drug activity has no place in Columbus. The distribution of dangerous drugs puts our community at risk, and we will not tolerate it," said Columbus Police Chief Stoney Mathis. "We will continue working with our law enforcement partners to identify those responsible and put an end to their operations."

According to court documents, agents with the FBI, DEA, GBI, and the Columbus Police Department were investigating drug trafficking in Columbus. On May 21, 2025, federal and state law enforcement conducted a controlled drug purchase using a confidential source, purchasing 111.2 grams of 98% pure methamphetamine from Thomas at 2318 6^th Avenue in Columbus. Agents conducted a second controlled purchase of methamphetamine from Thomas at the same location on Oct. 14, 2025, buying 97.2 grams of 93% pure methamphetamine from the defendant.

On Oct. 22, 2025, the FBI, DEA, GBI, and CPD executed a search warrant at the 6th Avenue location. Thomas was there and fled as officers approached but was ultimately taken into custody after a brief pursuit. Officers found $3,337 in cash on Thomas, along with nearly 90 grams of 98% pure methamphetamine located inside a shed-like structure in the rear of the residence, where they also found other drugs including cocaine, crack cocaine, and ecstasy. Inside the shed, officers discovered a stolen Glock semi-automatic pistol. Agents found two digital scales and plastic baggies during the search.

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, DEA, GBI, and the Columbus Police Department.

Deputy Criminal Chief Vernoica Hansis is prosecuting the case for the Government.