Major Drug Trafficking Investigation Leads to Arrest in Richmond County

News Summary

The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office has arrested Roman Kelly, 45, for drug trafficking, seizing 28 grams of methamphetamine. His arrest is part of a larger investigation targeting gang-related activities, culminating in an indictment of 30 members from the ‘Sex Money Murder’ gang for serious charges including racketeering and drug trafficking. Authorities foiled extensive criminal operations linked to extreme violence. Additionally, the Georgia Attorney General is expanding human trafficking units in response to rising cases.

Augusta, Georgia – The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office has arrested 45-year-old Roman Kelly as part of an extensive drug trafficking investigation. Authorities apprehended Kelly at the Quality Inn on Gordon Highway while he was carrying approximately 28 grams of methamphetamine. His arrest was the culmination of a months-long investigation into his drug operation, which is part of a larger effort to dismantle gang-related activities in the area.

After the arrest, law enforcement discovered additional undisclosed items in Kelly’s hotel room, indicating the potential for further criminal activity. He is currently being held at the Webster Detention Center pending further legal proceedings.

In a related development, a comprehensive eight-count indictment has been unsealed in the Southern District of Georgia, charging 30 members of the “Sex Money Murder” (SMM) gang. This indictment includes serious charges such as racketeering conspiracy, murder in aid of racketeering, conspiracy to commit murder, and multiple firearm and drug trafficking crimes. The law enforcement effort spanned seven states, with arrests made in Hinesville, Savannah, Augusta, and Atlanta.

Gang members are alleged to have engaged in extreme violence, including murder, to enforce their gang rules and retaliate against perceived violations. They have also been involved in trafficking methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin across the Savannah area. In addition to drug offenses, members participated in fraudulent schemes related to federal COVID relief and unemployment benefits, with intended losses exceeding $850,000.

The indictment provides detailed accounts of very violent crimes, including a murder carried out by gang member Byron Hopkins and associates, where a young victim was killed shortly after leaving a school bus. In another instance, a member who attempted to leave the gang was lured to his death under the pretense of attending a gang meeting.

Notably, the SMM gang is identified as a subset of the Bloods gang, which originated in the Bronx, New York, and has since spread along the East Coast, including Georgia. In disturbing developments, seven defendants are accused of orchestrating or committing serious crimes from prison.

If convicted, the defendants face severe penalties, including life imprisonment or the death penalty for certain charges, and up to 30 years for conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Authorities remain vigilant as they tackle the ongoing issues related to gang violence and drug trafficking in the region.

In a separate case, Donnie Skillman, aged 47, has been found guilty of drug trafficking and firearms charges in a federal court in Augusta. Skillman was part of a significant methamphetamine trafficking operation that encompassed ten defendants, with nine having already pleaded guilty and facing similar sentences.

Furthermore, the Georgia Attorney General has announced an expansion of Richmond County’s human trafficking unit in response to the increase in cases in Augusta. This enhanced unit will consist of specially trained local investigators and a dedicated prosecutor to improve the community’s response to the alarming rise in human trafficking incidents.

Recent years have seen a marked increase in cases of child abuse and trafficking victims within Richmond County, prompting the need for more focused resources and attention. Alongside this, legislative measures are under consideration that include tougher penalties for fentanyl possession, igniting a broader debate concerning addiction treatment and criminalization.

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Additional Resources

• WRDW: Federal Gang Bust Brings 30 Arrests Across Georgia Including Augusta
• Wikipedia: Gang Violence
• WSBTV: 10th Person Found Guilty in Augusta Area Meth Trafficking Operation
• Google Search: Drug Trafficking in Georgia
• WRDW: Georgia Targets Augusta’s Human Trafficking Problem
• Google Scholar: Human Trafficking Georgia
• Augusta Chronicle: Georgia Senate Bill Targets Fentanyl with Harsher Penalties
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Fentanyl
• WJBF: Multiple GA Defendants Indicted on Federal Firearms Charges
• Google News: Augusta Georgia Crime