Theodore S. Hertzberg United States Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia | Department of Justice
Michael Ferrell Price, also known as “Cheese,” has been sentenced to 87 months in federal prison for trafficking methamphetamine and possessing firearms illegally. Price, 68, was operating from a property in eastern Cherokee County, where he trafficked drugs and ran an illegal moonshine still.
According to authorities, Price stored more than 150 firearms, including machineguns and unregistered silencers, along with dozens of explosive devices in a backwoods shed. Law enforcement began investigating Price in September 2024 after learning about his activities at his mother’s home.
On October 22, 2024, agents executed a search warrant at the property. They recovered over three ounces of highly pure crystal methamphetamine, several gallons of homemade moonshine, numerous illegal explosive devices, and the large cache of firearms. Among these were two machineguns, a short-barreled rifle, a privately manufactured firearm without a serial number, five firearm silencers, and a stolen revolver. As an unlawful drug user for years, federal law barred Price from owning firearms or explosives.
“Price posed a clear danger to the community by selling methamphetamine and distilling moonshine while maintaining an illegal stash of explosive devices and more than 150 firearms,” said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. “Thanks to the collaboration of federal agents and local law enforcement, Price has been brought to justice for his crimes.”
“This case demonstrates the results we achieve when federal, state, and local law enforcement work hand-in-hand,” said ATF Assistant Special Agent in Charge Beau Kolodka. “By combining resources and expertise, we were able to dismantle a criminal operation that threatened both public safety and the rule of law.”
“Stockpiling weapons while trafficking drugs is a recipe for tragedy,” said Major Walter Jones, Director of Drug Enforcement-Cherokee Multi-Agency Narcotics Squad. “Price’s sentencing should make clear that those who choose that path will face serious consequences.”
On May 7, 2025, Price pleaded guilty to possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and possession of a firearm by an unlawful drug user. He was sentenced on August 21 by United States District Judge Eleanor L. Ross to serve four years of supervised release following his prison term.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives led the investigation with assistance from the Cherokee Multi-Agency Narcotics Squad and support from the Blue Ridge Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office encourages parents and children to learn more about drug prevention through www.justthinktwice.gov and www.getsmartaboutdrugs.gov. More information can be found at http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.
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