Submitted by Barry L. Paschal, PAO U.S. Attorney's Office - Southern District of Georgia
An Appling County man has been sentenced to federal prison after pleading guilty to a drug trafficking charge.
Cornelius Denzel Butler, a/k/a “Big Juicy,” 30, of Baxley, Georgia, was sentenced to 140 months in prison after pleading guilty to Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine, Cocaine, Crack Cocaine, and Marijuana, said Tara M. Lyons, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. U.S. District Court Judge Lisa Godbey Wood also ordered Butler to serve three years of supervised release upon completion of his prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Every community deserves protection from those who would profit from the sale of dangerous illegal drugs,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Lyons. “We’re grateful to our law enforcement partners for their work in identifying and removing drug traffickers from our neighborhoods.”
As described in court documents and testimony, investigators from the Appling County Sheriff’s Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration in 2023 identified Butler as a drug distributor operating in the Baxley area. Investigators searched Butler’s residence and seized large amounts of methamphetamine, cocaine, crack cocaine, and marijuana, along with multiple firearms, cash, and paraphernalia associated with drug trafficking.
As part of his plea agreement, Butler forfeited five handguns, an assault-style rifle, and nearly $20,000 in cash.
“This case represents the continued commitment of the DEA to identify and hold accountable those who engage in the distribution of dangerous drugs,” said Jae W. Chung, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Division. “Keeping our communities safe is our highest priority.”
The case was investigated by the Appling County Sheriff’s Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration, and prosecuted for the United States by Southern District of Georgia Assistant U.S. Attorney Bradley R. Thompson.
