MACON, Ga. — A Baldwin County man, along with 14 other local residents, now knows what the future holds in terms of how much time they will serve in federal prison or on probation for their involvement in illegal drug activities.

All of the 14 other defendants who sentenced were from Milledgeville with the exception of one of who lived in Augusta, according to federal authorities.

The largest amount of time to serve behind prison walls for any of the individuals was dished out Monday in U.S. federal court in Macon to 38-year-old Milledgeville resident Delma Goddard, who received a sentence of 145 years by U.S. District Court Judge Marc T. Treadwell. 

The convicted drug kingpin, also known by the aliases “Shug” and “Big Homie,” was found guilty by a federal jury July 30 of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than 280 grams of crack cocaine, more than 50 grams of methamphetamine, and more than 100 grams of heroin, according to U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia Charles E. Peeler.

In addition, trial jurors also convicted Goddard on four counts of distribution of methamphetamine; six counts of distribution of crack cocaine; five counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; five counts of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; one count of distribution of heroin; and one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin.

In a press release from Peeler’s office, Goddard was named as the lead conspirator and a known member of the Nine-Deuce gang in Baldwin County.

The Nine-Deuce gang is affiliated with the Bloods, a nationally known gang.

“During the period between 2013 and 2016, the Nine-Deuce gang was responsible for numerous gang-related assaults in Baldwin County,” according to the press release.

The gang is identified by the color red, as well as particular hand signs.

The same gang is fueled by what was referred to as proceeds from the sale of illegal drugs in and around Milledgeville and surrounding counties, the federal prosecutor said.

“Mr. Goddard was responsible for obtaining, manufacturing and distributing crack cocaine, and also for distributing methamphetamine, and heroin,” according to the press release.

During the course of the investigation, agents with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), FBI, U.S. Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Ocmulgee Drug Task Force were responsible for removing more than 10 ounces of crack cocaine; more than 10 ounces of methamphetamine; and more than 10 ounces of heroin from the streets of Milledgeville.

Agents also were responsible for the seizure of 17 firearms, including two assault rifles during the course of the investigation.

The weapons were either purchased from Goddard or seized during a search warrant that was served on him at his residence by federal and local agents.

“Evidence established during the trial proved that Mr. Goddard sold various quantities of crack cocaine, methamphetamine, and heroin to government operatives,” according to the press release.

It also was pointed out by federal authorities that Goddard had a previous drug conviction for the sale of cocaine back in 2000.

“These sentences and the dismantling of this gang are the result of a true partnership between (Ocmulgee Judicial Circuit) District Attorney Stephen A. Bradley’s office, Baldwin County Sheriff Bill Massee’s office, the Ocmulgee Drug Task Force, DEA, FBI, ATF, and the office of the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia,” Peeler said in the press release.

Bradley also shared comments about the case via the press release.

“Sheriff Bill Massee and I both appreciate the excellent coordination between our personnel and those in the federal system,” Bradley said. “That partnership has led to a real, identifiable reduction in local gang and drug activity. These were serious, historical offenders we took off the street, and Baldwin County is much safer as a result.”

The federal prosecutor also had a strong message to send to those who choose to engage in illegal drug trafficking, firearms trafficking, and violent crimes.

“Take note: Federal and state law enforcement and prosecutors are teaming up to take you down,” Peeler said. “Providing the citizens of Middle Georgia with the safe neighborhoods and drug-free communities they deserve is the top priority of this office. Thank you to the hard work of law enforcement in this matter.”

DEA Special Agent Robert J. Murphy, who is in charge of the Atlanta field office, also had offered a special message for residents who live in Milledgeville and Baldwin County.

“Baldwin County residents can sleep better tonight knowing that this sentence has been returned against this violent crack, powder cocaine and methamphetamine trafficker,” Murphy said in the press release. “This case demonstrates how DEA and its local, state and federal law enforcement partners and the U.S. Attorney’s Office present a united front to disrupt, dismantle, and destroy gang-related drug trafficking organizations.”

FBI Special Agent Chris Hacker, who heads the Atlanta field office, also weighed in on the conviction and sentencing.

“Nothing affects our communities more than the infiltration of drugs and guns onto our streets,” Hacker said. “Goddard’s conviction and sentencing are only the beginning of our efforts to protect the good citizens of Baldwin County from the menace this top-level gangster and his fellow gang members posed.”

Peeler said the case against Goddard and the other convicted defendants was brought as part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) programs.

“OCDETF and PSN are programs that have been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone,” according to the press release.

In addition to Peeler handling the prosecution of the case, two others assisted him. They included Assistant U.S. Attorneys Charles Calhoun and Michael Solis. They also received participation and cooperation from Bradley’s office.

The following 14 people, several of whom were members of the Nine-Deuce gang, also were sentenced during hearings presided over by Judge Treadwell. All of the defendants with the exception of one of them were from Milledgeville.

•Chad Delacy Freeman, 45, also known as “Big Bone” and “Bone Loco” and a gang member, was sentenced to 188 months in federal prison.

•Alonzo Butts, 44, of Augusta, was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison.

Demale Hampton, 41, also known as “Rabbitt” and “Rab” was sentenced to 70 months in federal prison.

•Edward Antonio Brown, 41, also known as “Plug” was sentenced to 48 months in federal prison.

•Ishmawiyl Abdhal Davis, 35, also known as “NY” and “New York” was sentenced to 48 months in federal prison.

•Demetrius Jamel Harden, 32, also known as “Meat Dawg” and “Meat Dog” was sentenced to 46 months in federal prison.

•Montavious Jermell Barnes, 23, also known as “Coot” and “Koot” was sentenced to 46 months in federal prison.

•Travis Glenn, 41, also known as “T” and “TG” was sentenced to 40 months in federal prison.

•Demond Monterio Dennis, 34, also known as “Double Deuce” was sentenced to 38 months in federal prison.

•Derrick Mosley, 38, also known as “D Mo” was sentenced to 36 months in federal prison.

•Deshawn Ransom, 23, also known as “Nephew” was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison.