Two South Georgia Residents Face Life in Prison for Meth Distribution

ALBANY, Ga. - Two South Georgia residents are facing up to life in federal prison after admitting to distributing methamphetamine in the Valdosta, Georgia, community.

"Repeat felons who continue distributing deadly, addictive illegal drugs in the Middle District of Georgia will face federal prosecution, where there is no parole," said U.S. Attorney William R. "Will" Keyes. "We are working closely with our law enforcement partners at every level to identify these cases, and hold repeat offenders accountable."

"The investigators in this case did an excellent job, and their dedication helps protect the citizens of Lowndes County," said Lowndes County Sheriff Ashley Paulk. "We are grateful for the strong partnership we share with our federal, state, and local partners, which strengthens our efforts to keep this community safe."

Melissa Lynn James, 41, of Naylor, Georgia, pleaded guilty on Oct. 7, and Ryan Daniel Williams, 28, also of Naylor, pleaded guilty on Oct. 6, both to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine before Senior U.S. District Judge W. Louis Sands. James and Williams face a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison, up to a maximum sentence of life in prison, to be followed by at least five years of supervised release, and a maximum fine of $10 million. There is no parole in the federal system.

According to court documents and statements made in court, a Lowndes County Sheriff's Office investigator received a tip from a concerned citizen in November 2025 that Williams was distributing methamphetamine in the community. Williams, who has prior state convictions for methamphetamine possession, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and burglary, was a fugitive at the time, wanted for a probation violation out of Glynn County, Georgia. Investigators conducted a controlled purchase of methamphetamine from Williams and James on Nov. 4, 2025, at the Big Foot Truck Stop on West Hill Avenue in Lowndes County. Williams attempted to flee when officers approached, throwing a bag containing 11 grams of methamphetamine, but he was quickly apprehended. James, who was in the passenger seat of the car, moved into the driver's seat but stopped when ordered by deputies.

During a search of the car, officers found four plastic baggies containing a total of 81 grams of methamphetamine, along with a digital scale with methamphetamine residue, and James's iPhone. A lawful search of James's home, where Williams was staying, recovered additional methamphetamine, including two zip-lock bags in James's bedroom containing approximately 854 grams of methamphetamine, a digital scale with methamphetamine residue, and a glass smoking pipe. In addition, officers found 151 grams of methamphetamine in plain view on the kitchen counter. Investigators also recovered text conversations on James's iPhone between James and individuals seeking to purchase methamphetamine.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

The Lowndes County Sheriff's Office is investigating the case, with assistance from the District Attorney's Office for the Southern Judicial Circuit.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Sonja Profit is prosecuting the case for the Government.