Conviction on three counts of drug charges sealed the fate of a Houston County man after a three-day trial this week. On Thursday, November 18, a Houston County jury found 44-year-old Byron resident, Raymond Edward Chatfield, Jr. guilty of charges that stem from 2018. He was convicted of trafficking methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute and possession of cocaine with the intent to distribute.
The Houston County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics United initiated an investigation on November 20, 2018 in reference to violations of the Georgia Controlled Substances Act at 723 N. Davis Drive in Warner Robins. A search warrant was executed, during which law enforcement officers discovered a large drug operation conducted by the then 41-year-old Chatfield. His operation incorporated a pill press that produced drugs for distribution including methamphetamine and cocaine.
The prosecutors for Chatfield’s case were Houston County Assistant District Attorneys Maria Duane and Brian Granger. The judgment was handed down by Chief Superior Court Judge Edward D. Lukemire who sentenced Chatfield to a total of 55 years with 35 of those to be served in prison.
Chatfield has a significant criminal history, and because of that, he was sentenced as a recidivist (a convicted criminal who reoffends repeatedly). He will have to serve all 35 years of that sentence in the Department of Corrections. Additionally, once he is released, Chatfield will be banished from Houston County.
“The citizens of Houston County need to know that organizations such as this, operated by Mr. Chatfield, will not be allowed to continue,” commented ADA Granger. “We would like to thank the hard work of the Houston County Sheriff’s Office, specifically Sgt. Matt Moulton, for leading the investigation and the countless hours spent working the case.”
Acting District Attorney William Kendall also praised Moulton and his team. “This is yet another fine example of proactive law enforcement by Sgt. Matt Moulton and the Houston County Sheriff’s Department,” Kendall said. “Successful prosecution of drug dealers and manufacturers has a rippling effect in our community,” he added. “The District Attorney’s Office remains ready to support our local law enforcement agencies and to serve the people of Houston County.
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