Three sentenced for roles in Americus meth trafficking ring

ALBANY – Three southwest Georgia residents were sentenced this week for their criminal involvement in a methamphetamine trafficking ring distributing controlled substances in Americus.

Kasie Lawarron Monson, 43, of Americus, was sentenced to serve 120 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release after he previously pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of cocaine base.

Co-defendant Eran Devon Sims, 30, of Americus, was sentenced to serve 84 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release after he previously pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of methamphetamine. Co-defendant Briana Latrice Lawson, 26, of Americus, was sentenced to serve five years of probation after she pleaded guilty to one count of aiding and abetting the use of a communication facility in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

The following co-defendants pleaded guilty and have been sentenced:

— Chasmon Deon Smith, 36, of Americus, was sentenced to serve 120 months in prison after he pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of cocaine base;

— Randy Allen Cole, 31, of Americus, was sentenced to serve 60 months in prison after he pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of methamphetamine;

— Logan James Tookes, 35, of Americus, was sentenced to serve 18 months in prison after he pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of methamphetamine.

U.S. District Judge Leslie Abrams Gardner handed down the sentences. The defendants are not eligible for parole.

“This case is a strong example of how federal, state and local law enforcement agencies are collaborating in Americus and similar communities across the Middle District of Georgia to prevent the distribution of dangerous illegal substances like methamphetamine, which harm people and exacerbate other criminal activity,” U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary said in a news release. “Our office will continue to support their efforts by working with them to hold repeat criminals accountable for their crimes.”

“Drug traffickers drive addiction and destroy communities,” Robert J. Murphy, special agent in charge of the DEA’s Atlanta Division, said. “DEA efforts ensure these criminals will be removed from our streets.”

“The GBI takes drug investigations very seriously and understands the significant negative effects that dangerous drugs like methamphetamine and cocaine have on Georgia communities,” GBI Director Chris Hosey said. “We are committed to working with our local, state and federal partners to combat drug distribution and keep our communities safe.”

According to court documents, DEA and GBI agents initiated an undercover drug distribution investigation in Americus beginning in 2021. Between October 2021 and January 2022, an undercover GBI agent conducted numerous purchases of cocaine base and methamphetamine through Sims from his various sources of supply, including Monson, Cole and Tookes.

In total, law enforcement purchased approximately 367 grams of methamphetamine and 28 grams of cocaine base during the conspiracy investigation. A search warrant was executed at Monson’s residence on Brookdale Drive in Americus on Jan. 25, 2022. Inside a closet in Monson’s bedroom, agents found a bag containing 11 individually packaged plastic baggies containing methamphetamine, along with crack cocaine and powder cocaine. Agents seized 422 grams of actual methamphetamine and distributable quantities of cocaine and cocaine base.

Five of the defendants have criminal histories in the community. Smith was sentenced as a career offender due to his prior convictions for the sale of cocaine, conspiracy to sell cocaine and obstruction of a law enforcement officer; Monson has a lengthy criminal history in the region, including prior convictions for possessing controlled substances, theft by receiving stolen property, obstruction of law enforcement officers and battery; Sims has prior convictions, including theft by taking and burglary; Cole has prior convictions for entering an automobile and obstruction of law enforcement officers; and Tookes has a prior conviction for obstruction of law enforcement officers.

This case was investigated by DEA and GBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Redavid prosecuted the case for the government.

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