A months-long investigation by the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Division led to the arrest of a suspected drug trafficker and the seizure of a large quantity of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine from an Augusta hotel room.
On Tuesday, investigators arrested 45-year-old Roman Kelly at the Quality Inn on Gordon Highway on outstanding felony drug warrants. He was found carrying approximately 28 grams of methamphetamine. A court-authorized search of his hotel room uncovered 664.9 grams of fentanyl, 549.2 grams of methamphetamine, and 682.5 grams of cocaine. Authorities also seized 56.7 grams of marijuana and $31,224 in cash.
The estimated street value of the drugs is over $650,000. According to the Sheriff’s Office, the fentanyl alone equates to more than 330,000 potentially lethal doses — enough to endanger the entire population of Richmond County.
Kelly has been charged with trafficking in fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine. He remains in custody at the Charles B. Webster Detention Center pending further judicial proceedings.
In a statement, Sheriff Eugene Brantley said the fentanyl crisis continues to take lives in the community and praised the Narcotics Division for its work in removing deadly drugs from the streets.
The Sheriff’s Office encourages those struggling with substance abuse to seek help through local treatment providers or contact RCSO’s Community Services Division for support.
