Hiram man sentenced to fifteen years for trafficking fentanyl and methamphetamine

Darrlin Vernard Warner has been sentenced to fifteen years in federal prison for trafficking fentanyl and methamphetamine while possessing multiple firearms and over $175,000 in drug proceeds. The sentencing took place in Rome, Georgia.

“Fentanyl and methamphetamine are wreaking havoc on north Georgia, leading to addiction, crime, and loss of life,” said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. “As a result of key collaboration of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, a significant drug trafficker is out of the community. His deadly drugs are off the street, his weapons have been seized, and his drug proceeds now belong to law enforcement.”

Paul Brown, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta, stated: “Drug traffickers like Warner fuel addiction and violence by pushing fentanyl and meth into our communities while stockpiling weapons and cash. Thanks to the outstanding partnership between federal, state, and local law enforcement, we have dismantled a dangerous operation and made northern Georgia safer.”

Georgia Bureau of Investigation Director Chris Hosey commented: “This sentencing is a significant victory in protecting the citizens of Georgia from the dangers drug traffickers bring into our communities. Traffickers of deadly substances like fentanyl and methamphetamine leave behind addiction, violence, and devastation that tear families apart. The GBI, alongside our local, state, and federal partners, remains committed to ensuring these criminals face justice and that these dangerous drugs are removed from our communities.”

According to information presented in court by U.S. Attorney Hertzberg’s office: In October and November 2024 Warner conspired with others to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine in Paulding and Douglas counties. On November 13, 2024 law enforcement searched Warner’s home and car; they seized more than two pounds of fentanyl, one pound of methamphetamine, five firearms, and $177,119 in cash.

United States District Judge William M. Ray II sentenced Warner—also known as “Juice” —to fifteen years in prison followed by five years supervised release. As part of the sentence he forfeited the cash seized from his residence after pleading guilty on June 5th to conspiracy charges related to distribution intent for fentanyl/methamphetamine as well as possession of firearms during a drug trafficking crime.

The investigation was led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation along with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation’s Northwest Georgia Drug Task Force; assistance came from Paulding County Sheriff’s Office; Douglas County Sheriff’s Office; Paulding County Fire Department.

Assistant United States Attorneys Calvin A. Leipold III; Thomas M. Forsyth III; Jeffrey Brown prosecuted this case.

This prosecution is part of Operation Take Back America—a national initiative using Department of Justice resources against illegal immigration networks; cartels; transnational criminal organizations; violent crime through programs such as Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) https://www.justice.gov/ocdetf/about-ocdetf-programs/overview-project-safe-neighborhoodshttps://www.justice.gov/psn.

The public can report suspected drug sales or trafficking through GBI at 1-800-597-TIPS (8477), DEA Atlanta Division Office at (404) 893-7000 or submit online tips via https://www.dea.gov/submit-tip.

Educational resources about the dangers posed by fentanyl or other drugs are available at www.justthinktwice.gov , www.GetSmartAboutDrugs.com , www.operationprevention.com/ , www.CampusDrugPrevention.gov , www.dea.gov/onepill .

For further information contact U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6185 . More details about the Northern District office can be found at http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga .