Life Sentence Imposed on Drug Dealer

United States Attorney Michael J. Moore, Middle District of Georgia, announces sentencing of Martin T. Tillman a/k/a “Gator,” age 41, of Ray City, Georgia, which took place before the Honorable Hugh Lawson, United States District Judge for the Middle District of Georgia in Valdosta, Georgia on September 17, 2012.

On April 13, 2012, Tillman was found guilty by a jury of a violation of Title 21 United States Code Sections 841(a)(I) and 841(b)(I)(A)(iii), charging conspiracy to possess cocaine with the intent to distribute.

At trial, the government presented evidence that Tillman and his co-conspirators were responsible for the distribution of an excess of 400 kilograms of cocaine.

Based on Tillman’s prior drug distribution conviction, the range of sentence permissible in the case was no less than 20 years’ imprisonment up to the possibility of life imprisonment. Judge Lawson imposed a sentence of life imprisonment.

U.S. Attorney Michael Moore said, “The sentence in this case is the ultimate deterrent, because there is no parole in the federal system. This is a true life sentence, and this defendant will not have the opportunity to sell illegal drugs again.”

Sheriff Charles “Nick” Norton said, “This investigation led to the formation of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force which included investigators from the FBI, the Lanier County Sheriffs Office, Lowndes County Sheriffs Office, Valdosta Police Department, Moultrie Police Department, Colquitt County Sheriffs Office, the FBI Gang Task Force, and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. Asking for help is sometimes hard to do, but it was the right call. This sentencing today is just one more example of the fantastic results our community has received from the cooperation between the Lanier County Sheriffs Office and our trusted law enforcement partners. This is an example of what we can accomplish when we work together. My thanks go out to the FBI, U.S. Attorney Michael Moore and his staff, and all of those who continue to stand with us.”

This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney, Leah E. McEwen. For additional information regarding this case, please contact Sue McKinney, Public Affairs Specialist, United States Attorney’s Office at (478) 752-3511.