Georgia Man Sentenced to Over 5 Years for in Federal Prison for Meth Distribution

Photo byDEA

A 40-year-old man from Appling County, Christopher Eric Stone, with a significant criminal history, was recently sentenced to over five years in prison after pleading guilty to possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, according to officials from the Department of Justice.

Officials from the department's Southern District of Georgia office reported that Stone was found in possession of methamphetamine during a traffic stop. Later, while he was out on bond facing state charges, law enforcement stopped him again and found methamphetamine in his possession.

According to officials, Stone has a "substantial history of arrests and convictions in Appling County, spanning more than two decades."

U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia, Jill E. Steinberg, stated, “Significant time behind bars will provide the community with a measure of relief from his serial criminality.”

Officials added that Stone's criminal record includes convictions for drug trafficking and domestic violence, primarily in the Baxley area.

Following his guilty plea, Stone was sentenced to serve 68 months in federal prison and ordered to complete three years of supervised release.

Sheriff Mark Melton of Appling County stated, “As Sheriff of Appling County, I am grateful to our federal partners at the DEA and the U.S. Attorney’s Office. The penalties resulting from this collaboration send a clear message that drug dealers will face severe consequences if they choose to operate here.”

Robert J. Murphy, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Atlanta Division, added, “The investigation and subsequent conviction of this drug dealer demonstrate the DEA’s commitment to combatting traffickers who show no regard for the safety of our community.”

Officials noted that the Appling County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation, with prosecution handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Bradley R. Thompson of the Southern District of Georgia.