Fitzgerald Physician Indicted On Drug Charges

On Tuesday, April 12, 2016, Dr. Edd Colbert Jones, III, from Fitzgerald, Georgia, was indicted on 17 counts of narcotics charges in the Middle District of Georgia, announced Acting United States Attorney G.F. Peterman, III.

The Grand Jury charged Dr. Jones with one count of conspiracy to distribute and dispense controlled substances including Oxycodone, Alprazolam and Diazepam and sixteen counts of unlawful dispensation of controlled substances.

Dr. Jones made his initial appearance before U.S. District Court Judge Charles H. Weigle on April 22, 2016.  At that time, he was advised of the charges against him, his rights and maximum possible penalties.  Dr. Jones pled not guilty and was granted terms of release on bond.

The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Ben Hill County Sheriff’s Office.  Assistant United States Attorney Leah E. McEwen is prosecuting the case for the government.

A copy of the indictment is attached. The indictment is only an allegation of criminal conduct. Dr. Jones is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law.  If convicted, Dr. Jones faces a potential maximum penalty of twenty (20) years imprisonment, a $1 million fine, or both.

For additional information, contact Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, at 478-621-2603 or pam.lightsey@usdoj.gov.