Duluth Man Convicted of Methamphetamine Trafficking Following a Jury Trial

ATLANTA - Jorge Rodriguez Martinez was found guilty by a federal jury for his role in a scheme to distribute multiple kilograms of methamphetamine in the metro-Atlanta area. Martinez was charged with one count of conspiracy to possess methamphetamine with the intent to distribute, and one count of possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute. Rodriguez Martinez was convicted on both counts following a three-day trial.

"Methamphetamine trafficking funnels poison into our communities," said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan. "This defendant's conviction sends a strong warning to others that those who peddle dangerous drugs will be held accountable for their conduct."

"The investigation and subsequent conviction of this criminal drug dealer demonstrates the DEA's commitment to fight the drug cartels who have no regard for the citizens of our community," said Robert J. Murphy, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Division.

According to U.S. Attorney Buchanan, the charges and other information presented in court: On October 7, 2020, a confidential source ("CS") working with agents from the DEA, placed multiple recorded phone calls to Rodriguez Martinez to purchase several kilograms of methamphetamine. After the phone calls, Rodriguez Martinez, who was being surveilled by federal law enforcement agents, travelled to a location in the metro-Atlanta area to meet with a drug supplier at a Dunwoody apartment complex. Rodriguez Martinez traveled to the CS's residence where he dropped off his truck containing multiple kilograms of methamphetamine, switched vehicles, then drove away.

The CS placed additional recorded phone calls to Rodriguez Martinez, during which Rodriguez Martinez confirmed that the drugs were in the truck and agreed to return to the CS's residence to pick up the drugs. Rodriguez Martinez next travelled to the CS's residence, picked up the methamphetamine, and quickly departed. Shortly thereafter, the Georgia State Patrol stopped Rodriguez Martinez's vehicle and located approximately three kilograms of methamphetamine on the front passenger floorboard.

Jorge Rodriguez Martinez, 56, of Duluth, Georgia, is scheduled to be sentenced on July 29, 2024, at 2:30 p.m. before U.S. District Judge Steve C. Jones. Rodriguez Martinez was found guilty by a federal jury on April 25, 2024.

This case is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration.

Special Assistant U.S. Attorney McClellon D. Cox, III, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Sandra E. Strippoli are prosecuting the case. This case was previously prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Rachel S. Lyons.

The U.S. Attorney's Office in Atlanta recommends parents and children learn about the dangers of drugs at the following web site: www.justthinktwice.gov.

For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney's Public Affairs Office at [email protected] or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.