Georgia Baseball Player Arrested in DEA Operation

Darren J. Driggers was sentenced to 57 months in prison on methamphetamine trafficking charges in federal prison.

The investigation that resulted in his arrest, known as Operation Vanilla Gorilla, was handled by multiple agencies, including the DEA, GBI, Savannah Police Department and Chatham County Sheriff's Office.

Driggers, also referred to as eBay for selling stolen goods, was once selected in the MLB draft in 2012 by the Detroit Tigers, but he was also suspended for 50 games because of failed drug tests.

According to police, Driggers told them that, “I decided I liked meth better than baseball.”

Even though, these are federal convictions, drug offenses are relatively the same federally and across all states - however there are minor differences.

As a Georgia Criminal Defense Lawyer, I will outline the criminal offense of trafficking methamphetamine in the state of Georgia. Methamphetamine is classified as a Schedule II Drug in Georgia. Schedule II drugs also includes cocaine, morphine, opium, and methadone. Possession of methamphetamine in Georgia is a serious charge, but trafficking is the most serious out of all methamphetamine charges.

Trafficking Methamphetamine in Georgia

Trafficking methamphetamine in Georgia is defined in O.C.G.A. § 16-13-31(e) as:

When a person sells, delivers, or brings into this state, or who is in possession of 28 grams or more of methamphetamine or amphetamine.

Trafficking methamphetamine is classified as a felony. However, the penalty for trafficking methamphetamine coincides with the amount of methamphetamine seized. If there is 28 grams or more involved, but less than 200 grams, the penalty will be a mandatory prison term of at least ten years and a fine of $200,000.00. If there is between 200 grams and 400 grams will receive the consequence of a mandatory prison sentence of at least fifteen years and a fine of $350,000.00.  If there is above 400 grams, the penalty is a mandatory prison term of at least twenty-five years with a fine of $1 million.

However, there are ways in which you could receive less than the mandatory minimum sentence. One way a sentence could be reduced is by assisting in the identification, arrest, or conviction of other individuals involved in the drug operation. By providing assistance in those areas, your Attorney could ask the Court to reduce your sentence based on your support.

Practice Note

Drug Offenses in Georgia are handled very harshly. If you or a loved one has been arrested on drug charges, contact our offices today. A Georgia Criminal Defense Attorney can help you now.