More Operation Sandy Bottom defendants made appearances in the United States Court of the Southern District of Georgia last week to learn their fate for their role in a major gang drug conspiracy. Federal Judge Lisa Godbey Wood listened to each defendant address the court before handing down their sentences.
Once a target of an assassination plot, Joshua McGinty, 33, of Douglas, used fear and intimidation to operate trap houses, coordinated drug sales and sold highly addictive drugs from his “studio” in the Oak Park Community.
At the time of his arrest, McGinty was charged with:
- • Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and an amount of Cocaine, Crack Cocaine, Oxycodone, Hydrocodone, Marijuana, Eutylone (Bath Salts), and Alprazolam (Xanax).
- • Conspiracy to Use, Carry or Possess Firearms;
In an earlier proceeding, McGinty pled guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute 5 grams or more of methamphetamine. As a part of his plea, the remaining charges were dismissed.
McGinty was sentenced to 188 months in federal prison for his role in the conspiracy.
Jeffrey Brian Voorhees, 37, of Douglas, was originally charged with:
- • Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and an amount of Cocaine, Crack Cocaine, Oxycodone, Hydrocodone, Marijuana, Eutylone (Bath Salts), and Alprazolam (Xanax).
- • Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon;
Voorhees pled guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and as a part of his plea deal, the remaining charges were dismissed.
Voorhees was sentenced to 92 months in federal prison for his role.
A family affair made its way into this conspiracy when the mother of two other defendants in this case (Brad Vickers and Javarra Vickers) was arrested and shared similar charges with her sons:
- • Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and an amount of Cocaine, Crack Cocaine, Oxycodone, Hydrocodone, Marijuana, Eutylone (Bath Salts), and Alprazolam (Xanax).
- • Two counts of Unlawful Use of Communication Facility;
After pleading guilty to the two counts of unlawful use of communication facility, the remaining charges were dismissed.
Gloria Jean Vickers, 56, of Douglas, with minimal criminal history, was only sentenced to three years of supervised federal probation for her role.