Macon leader in coast-to-coast drug operation pleads guilty to federal charge

The leader of a coast-to-coast drug distribution operation centered in Macon pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute cocaine and marijuana Wednesday afternoon, avoiding a possible life sentence.

Thaddeus Lavette "Stupid" Bonds, 34, walked into a courtroom at the federal courthouse in Macon, less than an hour before prosecutors' plea offer expired. Earlier in the day, he'd wavered about whether he'd take the deal when standing up and telling Judge Leslie Abrams he was confused about its terms.

Bonds said he wanted to have another lawyer look it over, but ultimately he decided he'd stick with his original lawyer, Bernadette Crucilla.

When he's sentenced, the plea bargain promises that he'll face between 151 and 188 months in prison -- 12 1/2 to 15 1/2 years. Bonds' sentencing hasn't been scheduled. His trial had been set to begin Feb. 15.

Nearly all the 35 people charged in what's been dubbed Operation Southern Postal Powder have struck deals with prosecutors and pleaded guilty to their part in the case.

Here's what happened in the case, according to court documents:

A California marijuana supplier has admitted that he sold Bonds marijuana that he'd received in bartering transactions from customers at his auto body shop. Bonds paid the man to use the shop to package the drugs.

Another California marijuana supplier has admitted she bought marijuana using money that Bonds gave her, then mailed the drugs to him.

Other people also have owned up to mailing drugs or receiving parcels containing drugs on Bonds' behalf as part of the operation.

Several people charged in the case have admitted opening bank accounts that were used to funnel drug proceeds from Bonds' organization to his suppliers.

Bonds was a part of the operation from January 2011 to Aug. 31, 2014, a prosecutor alleged Wednesday.

Georgia Department of Corrections records show that Bonds has served three prison stints since 2001, with his last being from Dec. 10, 2014, to June 1, 2015.

His prior convictions include aggravated assault in Bibb County, the sale and distribution of marijuana in Jones County, and reckless driving and another driving violation in Jones County, according to prison records.

Answering Abrams' questions Wednesday, Bonds said he's receiving treatment for marijuana and alcohol abuse.

He pleaded with the judge, asking to remain free on bond for another week to help settle a foreclosure on his home.

"I'm not going anywhere," he said. "Seven days and I'll be right back here."

After hearing Crucilla's argument that Bonds has attended all hearings as required and a brief, private conference with Crucilla and the prosecution, the judge granted Bonds' request.

He must turn himself in to U.S. marshals Jan. 28 or risk violating his plea agreement with prosecutors.

Information from Telegraph archives was used in this story. To contact writer Amy Leigh Womack, call 744-4398 or find her on Twitter@awomackmacon.

This story was originally published January 20, 2016 at 6:33 PM with the headline "Macon leader in coast-to-coast drug operation pleads guilty to federal charge ."