Drug Dealing Armed Career Criminal Sentenced

Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced the sentencing of Timothy McNeal, 31, of Moultrie, Georgia, today before the Honorable Hugh Lawson, Senior United States District Judge in Macon, Georgia.

On March 5, 2013, after a two-day trial, a jury convicted Mr. McNeal of Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine Base (“crack” cocaine), Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana, and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.

Court records reveal that Mr. McNeal was determined to be both a Career Offender under the United States Sentencing Guidelines and an Armed Career Criminal under federal law.

The case developed when agents learned through complaints and interviews that Mr. McNeal was selling illegal drugs from his residence.  A search warrant was executed at the residence which revealed quantities of crack cocaine and marijuana, which were packaged and ready for distribution.  In addition to the illegal drugs, a Hi-Point 9mm pistol and ammunition was also discovered in the residence.

Judge Lawson sentenced Mr. McNeal to two hundred sixty-two months imprisonment to be served consecutively to an existing State of Georgia sentence on a separate crime, followed by six years of supervised release.

“The federal sentencing guidelines have special provisions to substantially increase sentences for repeat offenders such as Timothy McNeal.  As with all federal sentences, this sentence will be served without parole.  Being a consecutive sentence, Mr. McNeal will not even begin serving this lengthy federal incarceration until he has served the full remaining time on his current sentence with the State of Georgia.  It is extremely unlikely that he will ever again have the opportunity to sell illegal drugs in this community or anywhere else,” said United States Attorney Michael Moore.

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Colquitt County Sheriff’s Office, and the Colquitt County Drug Enforcement Team.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Peter D. Leary and Robert McCullers.

Inquiries regarding the case should be directed to Sue McKinney, Public Affairs Specialist, United States Attorney's Office at (478) 621-2602.