THOMASVILLE — A drug case that began in Thomasville in June 2007, ended in Florida when a convicted drug dealer was sentenced to 20 years in prison.

In addition to the prison term, Raymond Goings was sentenced to 10 years of probation following his release. He also was sentenced to a $100 fine.

Goings entered a guilty plea to possession of more than 50 grams of cocaine with intent to distribute.

Local narcotics agents were at the Tallahassee (Fla.) U.S. District Court and ready for trial in May, when the accused entered a guilty plea.

Goings was charged in June 2007 following a car chase that began here and ended in Leon County, Fla.

The chase began when narcotics agents learned that Goings, of Atlanta and Thomasville, was at a Teddy Street residence. Warrants outstanding on Goings were for cocaine possession and probation violation.

As officers arrived at the Teddy residence, the suspect got into a Mazda and turned south onto U.S. 319. An ensuing chase led agents through Grady County, and Leon County authorities were notified.

When Goings reached Bradfordville in north Leon County, he turned around and headed north, traveled a short distance north on 319, turned around and headed south again.

As the Mazda approached Childs High School on 319 in Leon County, the automobile's brakes ran hot. The vehicle struck a power pole.

Goings had removed his shirt during the chase. Officers found three ounces of crack cocaine and four ounces of powder cocaine wrapped in the clothing. The drugs had a street value of $20,000.

A bag of marijuana and $699 in cash were found on Goings’ person.

Goings has been in federal custody since his arrest.

“He was a major player,” said Kevin Lee, Thomas County/Thomasville Narcotics/Vice Division commander. “He was responsible for supplying Thomas County with multiple ounces of cocaine. When he was caught, he had multiple ounces of cocaine on him.”

Goings was charged in Thomas County with cocaine trafficking. He was charged federally in Tallahassee when the drug crossed the Georgia-Florida state line.



Senior reporter Patti Dozier an be reached at (229) 226-2400, ex. 220.