Two Warner Robins men sentenced to federal prison in drug trafficking ring case
Two leaders of an armed drug trafficking ring in Warner Robins were sentenced to federal prison earlier this month by Chief U.S. District Judge Marc Treadwell after previously pleading guilty to the distribution of cocaine base in federal court.
Antoine “Bear” Riley, 45, was sentenced as a career offender, and will serve a prison sentence of 15 years followed by three years of supervised release. This will run consecutively to any other sentences made in a pending Taylor County Superior Court case.
Co-defendant Antonio Raines, 39, was sentenced to just over eight years in prison followed by three years of supervised release. He was also named in a separate investigation in the Middle District of Georgia for armed drug distribution and dog fighting.
Neither man will receive parole, as there is no parole in the federal system.
“These career criminal drug traffickers posed a significant threat to the quality of life in our communities,” said Robert J. Murphy, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Division, in a press release from the Department of Justice. “The dismantling of this organization makes our communities a safer place today.”
How did Riley and Raines get caught?
Court records reveal that prior to his sentencing, Riley was under investigation by federal agents for running several stash houses in Warner Robins that were distributing crack cocaine. He was also known to be armed.
On Feb. 12, 2021, Riley was taken into custody by Bibb County Sheriff’s Office deputies while in possession of large amounts of cocaine. At the time, he was attempting to flee.
That same day, Riley’s McCall Circle home in Warner Robins was searched. In addition to a large quantity of cocaine, agents recovered a .357 caliber revolver, a stolen Glock 9mm handgun, and an extended Glock magazine.
The DOJ said that at that time Riley admitted to agents that he was also running another stash house in Warner Robins on Vinson Drive.
Text messages and recorded conversations between Riley and Raines were used in the investigation, and revealed that these two men were the leaders of this operation. While they were under surveillance, multiple controlled purchases of cocaine were made, including a multi-kilogram deal in which Riley was involved.
Riley is now being held responsible for at least 4.717 kilograms of cocaine, 45.68 grams of cocaine base, and two firearms.
According to the DOJ, Riley has a long criminal history, including two previous convictions for possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and obstruction of an officer.
“Armed repeat felons will face federal consequences for their continued criminal activity,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary in a statement released by the Department of Justice. “Thanks to the efforts of the local, state and federal agencies with the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force, another armed criminal group has been held accountable.”
This case was investigated by the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office, the Warner Robins Police Department, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, the United States Marshals Service, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the DEA, and the FBI.
Who are the other co-defendants?
In connection to Riley and Raines, there are six other co-defendants from Warner Robins who have pleaded guilty and been sentenced.
Brittany Smith, 29, was sentenced on Jan. 4 after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. She will serve 135 months (over 11 years) in prison.
Emanuel Ivey, 36, was sentenced on Feb. 9 after pleading guilty to distribution of cocaine base and will serve more than seven years in prison.
Joseph Day, 49, was sentenced on Feb. 27 after pleading guilty to distribution of cocaine base and will serve almost four years in prison.
Desmond Griffin, 30, was sentenced on April 6 after pleading guilty to distribution of cocaine base and will serve two years in prison.
Obie Wright, 67, was sentenced on April 6 after pleading guilty to distribution of cocaine base and will serve 18 months in prison.
Latanya Williams, 41, was sentenced on April 6 after pleading guilty to making false statements and will serve three years of probation.
This story was originally published May 15, 2023 at 7:00 AM.