United States Drug Enforcement Administration

MACON, Ga. – A federal jury found a Macon resident guilty of armed drug trafficking, including distributing fentanyl and methamphetamine while in possession of a machine gun, resulting from an Operation Take Back America investigation.

“This conviction holds a repeat offender accountable for distributing dangerous drugs,” said Michael J. Connolly, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division. “Fentanyl continues to devastate families and communities, and removing drug distributors from our streets is an important part of protecting the public. This case also demonstrates what can be accomplished through joint police work and cooperation among law-enforcement agencies. Together, we remain committed to working toward a Fentanyl Free America.”

“Families in our country are suffering from the tragic loss of loved ones due to fentanyl and drug overdoses. Brazen, armed criminals pushing the deadliest drugs into our communities will be found and brought to justice,” said U.S. Attorney William R. “Will” Keyes. “These cases are saving lives, and I am proud of the unwavering commitment of prosecutors and law enforcement at every level to disrupt the flow of these deadly drugs and ensure traffickers are held accountable.”

“This conviction holds accountable an armed repeat offender who continued trafficking dangerous drugs, despite already facing federal drug charges. Drug trafficking doesn’t just affect those who use drugs; it impacts families, neighborhoods, and entire communities,” said GBI Director Chris Hosey. “This case began with a tip from a community member, demonstrating the important role the public plays in helping law enforcement identify and disrupt criminal activity. The GBI and our law enforcement partners remain committed to investigating those who threaten the safety of our communities and ensuring they are held accountable for their actions.”

“This conviction sends a clear message that those who bring dangerous drugs and illegal firearms into our community will be held accountable. Fentanyl, methamphetamine, and gun violence have taken far too much from too many families, and every time we remove these drugs and weapons from our streets, we have an opportunity to prevent another tragedy,” said Bibb County Sheriff David Davis. “I’m proud of the work of our investigators and grateful for the strong partnership we share with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners. By working together, we are not only enforcing the law, but we are also protecting lives and making our community safer.”

“This case reflects the power of collaboration, especially as we continue to confront the threat of fentanyl that endangers countless lives,” said Warner Robins Police Chief Wayne Fisher. “The Warner Robins Police Department is steadfast in our commitment to work alongside our federal, state, and local partners to protect the safety of our community.”

Tony Jermaine Reese, 46, of Macon, was found guilty of one count of distribution of fentanyl; four counts of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl; three counts of distribution of methamphetamine; three counts of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine; one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine; two counts of possession with intent to distribute cocaine base; one count of possession of a machine gun in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; one count of illegal possession of a machine gun; two counts of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; and three counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Reese faces a mandatory minimum of 40 years, with a maximum of life in prison. The trial began on Monday, September 21, and concluded on Wednesday, September 23, before U.S. District Judge Marc Treadwell in Macon. The Court will schedule the sentencing hearing for a later date. There is no parole in the federal system.

According to the filed indictment, court documents, and statements made in court, an anonymous community member tipped off Macon Crimestoppers in June 2023 about Reese dealing drugs from a shed located at Dottie Court in Macon. Working with a confidential source, law enforcement conducted controlled purchases of methamphetamine from Reese, who had multiple firearms in the shed and a camera surveillance system. Agents executed a search warrant in August 2023, finding methamphetamine and fentanyl, along with firearms.

On Aug. 24, 2023, Reese was taken into custody in Peach County in possession of fentanyl, methamphetamine, powder cocaine, crack cocaine, and other illegal drugs, along with a loaded Glock 17 handgun with an extended magazine and a switch converter attached, making the firearm an automatic weapon, or a machine gun. Agents found cellphones, unused plastic baggies and syringes, a digital scale, and $11,262 in the truck he was traveling in.

Despite state charges for the 2023 crimes, investigators learned in 2025 that Reese was continuing to traffic drugs from his shed on Dottie Court. Investigators with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), the Warner Robins Police Department, and the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office conducted an operation in June 2025, purchasing methamphetamine and fentanyl from Reese at his shed. 

On June 18, 2025, Reese was under surveillance during a suspected narcotics resupply trip to metro Atlanta, where he was seen meeting with an individual at an apartment complex and receiving a large green bag. On his return trip to Macon, Reese was taken into custody with nearly three kilograms of methamphetamine found in the green bag. Officers executed a search warrant at the three sheds on Dottie Court the same day. Officers found more methamphetamine, fentanyl, crack cocaine, blue pills, and other substances. 

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

The DEA, the GBI, the Warner Robins Police Department Narcotics Intelligence Unit, the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office, and the Peach County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case, with valuable assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Julius Jefferson and Monica Brown are prosecuting the case for the Government.