Macon resident pleads guilty to distributing fentanyl

MACON – A Macon resident with a criminal history has admitted to distributing fentanyl in federal court.

Gary Hollingshed, 30, of Macon, pleaded guilty to distribution of fentanyl before U.S. District Judge Marc Treadwell. Hollingshed faces a maximum of 20 years in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release and a $1 million fine. Sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 8. There is no parole in the federal system.

“Fentanyl is a killer, and fentanyl dealers in middle Georgia will face federal prosecution and stiff penalties,” U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary said in a news release. “Working with our law enforcement and community partners, we will continue our combined efforts to prevent fentanyl distribution and hold fentanyl traffickers accountable.”

“This career criminal is a tragic example of individuals who have no regard for the safety of our community,” Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Division Robert J. Murphy said. “DEA will continue to bring to justice drug traffickers who drive addiction and destroy communities.”

According to documents and statements made public in court, federal and local agencies began investigating Hollingshed for distributing fentanyl, heroin and methamphetamine in Macon. Using a confidential source and surveillance, agents conducted their first controlled purchase of methamphetamine from Hollingsworth in the parking lot of a hotel in Macon on Feb. 10, 2022, purchasing approximately 83.9 grams of 98% pure methamphetamine. A second similar controlled purchase occurred on Feb. 16, 2022, at a local store in Macon.

While under surveillance, Hollingsworth asked an undercover agent acting as the buyer if he wanted heroin or fentanyl; the undercover agent requested heroin. The substance thought to be heroin was actually a fentanyl mixture weighing 28.56 grams. Hollingsworth also sold the undercover agent 140.1 grams of methamphetamine.

Hollingsworth was taken into custody in Monroe County on March 9, 2022, after a trip to the Atlanta area to resupply. When deputies stopped the car for a malfunctioning taillight off Interstate 75, law enforcement smelled marijuana. Three preschool-aged children were in the car. Agents found nearly a kilogram of methamphetamine in the car and 56.30 grams of fentanyl.

On March 15, 2022, agents executed a search warrant at Hollingsworth’s supplier’s residence in Woodstock and seized more than a half-kilogram of methamphetamine, an AR-15 rifle, a shotgun, two Glock pistols, a Ruger pistol, cocaine, crack cocaine, scales and marijuana. Hollingsworth has prior felony state convictions for burglary and illegal drug possession and distribution.

The case was investigated by DEA, the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office and the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Criminal Chief Will Keyes is prosecuting the case for the government.

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