Gang member, associate plead guilty to meth trafficking

ALBANY – A Georgia inmate who is a high-ranking member of the Ghostface Gangsters — a criminal organization founded in the prison system — pleaded guilty in federal court to directing a large methamphetamine trafficking conspiracy involving another prisoner and GFG member, as well as a third co-defendant.

Donald Jason Miles, aka “Crash,” aka “Cocho,” 39, of Valdosta State Prison and Forsyth pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine on Nov. 13. Co-defendants Warren Frederick Courts, aka “Dirty,” 38, of Rutledge State Prison and Marietta, and Keeli Nycole Wallace, 34, of Covington, both pleaded guilty to one count each of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. All defendants face a minimum of 10 years to a maximum of life in prison to be followed by 10 years of supervised release and a maximum $10 million fine.

Chief U.S. District Judge Leslie Abrams Gardner is presiding over the case. Sentencing dates for the defendants will be determined by the court. There is no parole in the federal system.

“Ghostface Gangsters Jason Miles and Warren Courts were directing the distribution of large quantities of methamphetamine from two state prisons into southwest Georgia, a dangerous conspiracy that put many people at risk,” U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary said. “We are partnering with law enforcement at every level to root out and hold accountable violent criminal organizations whose tentacles reach beyond prison walls and jeopardize the safety and well-being of our communities.”

“This career criminal continued his drug trafficking activities despite being incarcerated, demonstrating his complete and wanton disregard for the safety of our community,” Robert J. Murphy, special agent in charge of the DEA Atlanta Division, said. “DEA’s efforts in bringing him to justice will ensure this high-ranking gang member spends even more time in prison.”

“The Ghostface Gangsters have systematically worked to flood the communities of Georgia with dangerous drugs,” GBI Director Chris Hosey said. “The brazenness of these gang members to continue their criminal acts, even behind bars, must be met with decisive action to ensure justice and safety for our communities. This investigation shows that the GBI and our partners will work relentlessly to hold those who seek to poison our communities accountable.”

According to court documents and statements referenced in court, undercover Georgia Bureau of Investigation agents conducted a drug bust at Motel 6 in Albany on Sept. 12, 2022, resulting from a larger investigation into drug trafficking from Georgia prisons. Agents learned Courts, a state prisoner, had arranged a drug transaction from behind bars and hired Wallace as a drug courier to move methamphetamine from a Mexico-based source located in metro Atlanta to southwest Georgia.

Agents arrested Wallace in the parking lot of Motel 6, finding approximately 1,400 grams of methamphetamine and her cellphones. Investigators discovered that Miles had recruited Wallace as a drug courier several months before her arrest. Wallace admitted she had performed 10-15 deliveries of 250 grams or less of methamphetamine at Miles’s direction. Miles introduced Wallace to Courts. Courts is a subordinate of Miles, as demonstrated by Courts giving Miles a portion of the profit he made from selling narcotics.

During one transaction, Courts instructed Wallace to obtain methamphetamine from a Mexico-based source of supply near Atlanta, and take it to meet a buyer at a Walmart in Albany. The buyer did not show up, and Miles instructed Wallace to return to Atlanta. The next day, Courts told Wallace that the intended buyer was ready. She returned to a Motel 6 in Albany, where she was subsequently arrested.

At the time, Miles was incarcerated at Valdosta State Prison, and Courts was incarcerated at Rutledge State Prison. 

Both Miles and Courts have lengthy criminal histories, including multiple felony convictions for drug distribution and trafficking.

The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Redavid is prosecuting the case for the government.

Special Illustration: Metro Creative