Repeat Offender Sentenced for Meth Distribution in South Georgia

VALDOSTA, Ga. – A South Georgia resident with an extensive criminal history, who admitted to possessing methamphetamine while trying to run from troopers during a traffic stop, was sentenced today to federal prison for his actions.

Joshua Keith Thompson, 37, of Morven, Georgia, and formerly of Adel, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 200 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release by Senior U.S. District Judge W. Louis Sands on July 24. Thompson previously pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine on April 22. There is no parole in the federal system.

"Convicted felons who repeatedly disregard the law will face federal accountability," said U.S. Attorney William R. “Will” Keyes. "This case highlights our commitment to collaborating with law enforcement to target those causing significant disruption and bring them to justice."

“Joshua Thompson has repeatedly shown he has no respect for the laws of our country,” said FBI Atlanta Special Agent in Charge Paul Brown. “FBI Atlanta will continue to work with our partners to bring to justice those who continue to break the law and harm our communities.”

“The sentencing of Joshua Keith Thompson underscores the importance of holding repeat offenders accountable, including those whose criminal activity impacts multiple counties and communities,” said GBI Director Chris Hosey. “Thompson repeatedly ignored the law and put public safety at risk. The GBI remains committed to working with our local, state and federal partners to protect our communities and stop repeat offenders from continuing their criminal activity.”

“This case shows that from a seatbelt violation to a federal court case, we partner with state and federal agencies to hold criminals accountable for their crimes,” said Colonel William W. Hitchens, III, Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Public Safety.

According to court documents and statements made in court, a Georgia State Patrol (GSP) trooper observed Thompson driving a sportscar and not wearing a seatbelt on March 25, 2023. During the traffic stop, Thompson handed the trooper a driver’s license with another person’s name on it. During the conversation, the trooper noticed what appeared to be a clear plastic baggie beside the defendant’s leg; consequently, he was asked to step out of the vehicle and was temporarily detained. A drug detection K-9 alerted on the passenger side of the vehicle. In the passenger side floorboard area, the trooper located a clear plastic baggie containing 784.53 grams of methamphetamine. After being told he was under arrest, the defendant fled on foot. The trooper displayed his taser and began giving verbal commands to stop. The defendant tripped and was quickly detained. Thompson has a lengthy criminal history in the South Georgia region, to include multiple felony convictions in Cook County, Georgia, Superior Court and convictions in Crisp County, Georgia, and Lowndes County, Georgia, Superior Courts. Thompson’s prior felony convictions include possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, burglary, theft by taking, giving false information to law enforcement and possession of controlled substances.

The case was investigated by the FBI Atlanta’s Valdosta Resident Agency, the GBI and the GSP, a division of the Georgia Department of Public Safety (DPS).

Assistant U.S. Attorney Monica L. Daniels is prosecuting the case for the Government.