Operation ‘Clean’ Sweep seizes 87 pounds of cocaine

The Houston County Sheriff’s Office, narcotics unit, has dismantled a major drug distribution organization in middle Georgia. A large amount of cocaine and currency was seized on March 4, 2020.

In November 2019, the Houston County Sheriff’s Office narcotics unit, along with the Houston County District Attorney’s Office, initiated an investigation into illegal drug sales in Houston County. After the investigation began, members of the Perry Police Department were requested to assist in the investigation. As the case developed, more persons were identified as being involved in the illegal drug trafficking network. This case involved primarily the large-scale distribution of cocaine and marijuana in middle Georgia.

In February 2020, more resources were required and were then provided by the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI/Macon office) and the Macon-Bibb County Sheriff’s Office, special investigations unit. The Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office and the Georgia Department of Public Safety (M.C.C.D.) provided assistance in March of 2020. As the case proceeded, investigators worked together toward the goal of dismantling the large narcotics operation.

On the afternoon of March 4, 2020, narcotics investigators from the various agencies intercepted a shipment of cocaine, which totaled 39 kilograms (approximately 87 pounds). The seized cocaine has an estimated street value of $3.8 million. Also simultaneously, investigators were able to intercept a shipment of currency totaling $284,600.

At the time of the interception, three subjects were taken into custody. Dexter Lee Williams, 51 and Curtis Eugene Thorpe, 47, were taken into custody in Bibb County while in possession of the cocaine. Francisco Daniel Costilla was taken into custody in Baldwin County, Ga. after being stopped while driving a semi-truck/trailer. Costilla was found to be in possession of the currency, which was located in a hidden compartment aboard his truck. Williams and Thorpe are residents of Macon, Ga., while Costilla resides in Edinburg, Texas.

After the initial arrests, investigators served search warrants at three residences in Macon-Bibb County. These searches yielded additional currency, narcotics, and other evidence related to this case. Multiple firearms were located during these searches.

On March 5, 2020, arrest warrants were obtained charging 19 individuals involved with the distribution of narcotics in the middle Georgia area. The suspects were all charged with violation of the Georgia Racketeering Influenced Corruption Organizations Act (RICO).

The persons arrested since March 4, 2020 include the following individuals:

•Dexter Lee Williams, 51, Macon, Ga.

•Loretta McLan Williams, 51, Macon, Ga.

•Curtis Eugene Thorpe, 47, Macon, Ga.

•Francisco Daniel Costilla, 30, Edinburg, Tx.

•Kelton Keshawn Mims, 39, Eastman, Ga.

•Oliver Oneal King, 50, Tucker, Ga.

•Sirad Little, 46, Perry, Ga.

•Donovan Jamal Williams, 30, Macon, Ga.

•Joe Ben Sears, Jr., 37, Macon, Ga.

•Jonathan James Shaver, 30, Perry, Ga.

•Christopher Anthony Burner, 46, Forsyth, Ga.

•Lemark Williams, 47, Macon, Ga.

•Darien Cantrell Harris, 38, Thomaston, Ga.

•Christopher Thompson, 46, Lithonia, Ga.

•Benjamin Maurice Kendall, 39, Macon, Ga.

More arrests are expected to be made. All suspects are currently being held without bond at the Houston County Detention Center in Perry. The case is still under investigation by the Houston County Sheriff’s Office. Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to call the Houston County Sheriff’s Office at 478-542-2080.

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