Drug case connected to Leesburg results in federal prison sentence
Kevin Alford sentenced to 144 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine
A Columbus resident with a violent criminal history was convicted by a federal jury on charges related to armed methamphetamine trafficking.
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From Staff Reports
ALBANY — A drug case with a connection to Leesburg has resulted in a federal prison sentence for a Greenville man.
Charles E. Peeler, U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced Thursday that Kevin Alford, 41, of Greenville, was sentenced on the same day to 144 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine before U.S. District Court Judge Leslie J. Abrams in Albany.
Court records said a cooperating witness whom Alford had previously given meth set up a meeting with him at the FairFax Motel in Leesburg to take delivery of more meth. Drug Enforcement Administration agents contacted Lee County Sheriff’s Office personnel to advise them of Alford’s anticipated arrival.
The Lee County deputies set up surveillance to await Alford’s arrival at the motel. He arrived in a rental vehicle accompanied by Donna Parks, 37. A search of the vehicle uncovered meth, marijuana, cell phones and a loaded .38 caliber Smith and Wesson revolver
Both Alford and Parks are convicted felons. After waiving his Miranda rights, Alford acknowledged his multiple prior felony convictions and provided limited details into his drug distribution operation. Parks admitted she was in joint possession of the firearm along with Alford.
Court-authorized analysis of the cell phones seized in the car revealed “numerous” text messages between Alford and unknown persons regarding the acquisition and distribution of quantities of drugs. The meth was submitted for laboratory analysis and found to weigh 330 grams and be 95 percent pure d-methamphetamine hydrochloride, court officials said.
On May 31, Parks, also of Greenville, entered a guilty plea to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. She will be sentenced in December.
“Felons with a gun and methamphetamine pose a significant danger to our community,” Peeler said. “I commend the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Lee County Sheriff’s Office for their investigation and efforts in this case.”
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, or PSN, a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make neighborhoods safer. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October of 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.
This case was investigated by the DEA and the Lee County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Leah E. McEwen prosecuted the case for the federal government.
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