Six people from the Rome area were sentenced to federal prison for their involvement in a drug trafficking organization that distributed illegal drugs, including heroin, methamphetamine, cocaine, and oxycodone.
Just the facts:
• Adrian Robinson, 42, Cedartown: 6 years in prison and 3 years of supervised release for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
• Julio Martinez-Guzman, 54, Rome: 20 years in prison and 5 years of supervised release for conspiracy to distribute multiple drugs.
• Jesse Willard Brooks, 41, Rome: 8 years, 4 months in prison and 5 years of supervised release for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
• James Carden, 42, Villa Rica: 5 years, 3 months in prison and 5 years of supervised release for conspiracy to distribute heroin and methamphetamine.
• Reginal Dowdy, 46, Cedar Bluff, Alabama: 3 years, 10 months in prison and 5 years of supervised release for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
• Casanova Pritchett, 53, Calhoun: 2 years, 6 months in prison and 5 years of supervised release for conspiracy to distribute cocaine and oxycodone.
Authorities continue to search for Abel Santoyo-Santana, 26, of Mexico, who remains a fugitive.
The Details: Federal investigators uncovered the drug ring in 2021. The leader, Martinez-Guzman, was previously convicted of drug trafficking and operated from two residential locations in Rome. Agents identified customers and suppliers involved in the distribution of drugs across North Georgia.
In Context: This case is part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces program, which targets high-level criminal networks. The sentencing reflects ongoing efforts to combat drug distribution and its impact on Georgia communities.
How You Can Help: Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Abel Santoyo-Santana is encouraged to contact their local law enforcement agency.
⚠️ Reminder: Crime articles contain only charges and information from police reports and law enforcement statements. Suspects and defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.