The lead defendant in a Richmond County meth-trafficking conspiracy that he ran from state prison has been sentenced to 20 years in federal prison.
Magnum Jelani Neely, 38, was sentenced to 278 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy with the intent to distribute and to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine, according to a news release from the U.S. Attorney’s office in Augusta.
“Magnum Neely orchestrated a large-scale meth distribution operation from behind bars while serving a 10-year state sentence for violent crime,” said David H. Estes, U.S. attorney for the Southern District of Georgia.
Estes said the investigation dismantled the drug-trafficking operation and lengthy federal sentences will hold those involved accountable. There is no parole in the federal system.
Chief U.S. District Judge J. Randal Hall sentenced Neely to serve 20 years in prison, a $2,500 fine and five years under supervised release.
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Neely used contraband cell phones to contact couriers to distribute drugs both inside and outside Georgia prisons, the release stated. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration joined Burke and Richmond county sheriff’s office investigators and the Georgia Department of Corrections in the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremiah L. Johnson prosecuted the case.
“DEA is fully committed to tirelessly pursuing criminals who sell drugs, whether they’re selling them on the streets or from inside a prison,” said Robert J. Murphy, special agent in charge of the DEA’s Atlanta field office.
Two Augusta women also pleaded guilty to conspiracy: Patricia Gregory, 45, was sentenced to 87 months in prison and Fanesia Smith, 39, was sentenced to 48 months. Smith’s mother, Yvonne Smith, 58, awaits sentencing after pleading guilty to concealing a felony.
Neely has been at the Jenkins Correctional Facility in Millen since 2019 on an aggravated battery conviction in Burke County, according to the Georgia Department of Corrections. He served prior sentences for committing robbery and theft in Richmond County, according to prison records.
Susan McCord is a staff writer with The Augusta Press. Reach her at susan@theaugustapress.com
