Fitzgerald Man Sentenced For Possession With Intent To Distribute Cocaine

ALBANY: Charles E. Peeler, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announces that Lakevis Woodard, age 31, of Fitzgerald, Georgia was sentenced to serve 24 months in federal prison for Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine Base before U.S. District Court Judge Leslie J. Abrams in Albany, Georgia on September 13, 2018.

On October 19, 2017, local law enforcement was conducting an authorized roadblock in Ben Hill County, Georgia.  Mr. Woodard approached the roadblock and drug agents, who had been receiving information that Mr. Woodard was selling drugs in the area, were present.  A drug detection dog alerted on Mr. Woodard’s vehicle, and a subsequent search of the vehicle revealed a Ruger, Model 1911, .45 caliber semi-automatic pistol under the driver’s seat.

During a subsequent search of Mr. Woodard’s residence, officers located a gallon-sized Ziploc bag of marijuana and a box containing powder cocaine, crack cocaine, and a set of digital scales.  Lab test results from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation determined the presence of 22.625 grams of cocaine base, commonly known as “crack” cocaine.

“Guns and crack cocaine pose a significant danger to our community,” said U.S. Attorney Charles E. Peeler.  “I commend the Ben Hill County Sheriff’s Office and the Georgia Department of Community Supervision for their investigation and efforts in this case.”

 This case was investigated by the Ben Hill County Sheriff’s Office and the Georgia Department of Community Supervision.  Assistant United States Attorney Leah E. McEwen prosecuted the case for the United States.

Questions concerning this case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603.