Ten Columbus, Georgia defendants receive more than 108 years total in federal Operation Sweet Silence sentencings

Federal court concludes sentencing phase for 10 men tied to an armed drug trafficking organization

Ten men from Columbus, Georgia have been sentenced in federal court to a combined total exceeding 108 years in prison following convictions tied to “Operation Sweet Silence,” a multi-agency investigation targeting a drug trafficking organization operating in the Columbus area.

The sentencings were imposed over a period spanning Aug. 6, 2025 through Jan. 14, 2026, with the final sentence announced on Feb. 10, 2026. Prosecutors described the group as a large-scale armed drug trafficking organization that distributed methamphetamine, cocaine and marijuana. Investigators reported the recovery of firearms, multiple pounds of methamphetamine and cocaine, 232 pounds of marijuana, and $29,000 in cash.

Who was sentenced and what penalties were imposed

The court imposed the following prison terms:

• Tommie Mullins Jr., 31: 20 years (sentenced Feb. 10, 2026)
• Trenton Clemons, 48: 25 years (sentenced Oct. 7, 2025)
• Corey Turner, 33: 20 years (sentenced Oct. 7, 2025)
• Adrian Palmer, 25: 14 years (sentenced Oct. 7, 2025)
• Trenton Thomas, 25: 11 years, 3 months (sentenced Oct. 7, 2025)
• Anthony Champion, 46: 7 years, 3 months (sentenced Aug. 6, 2025)
• Javonta Paden, 25: 5 years, 11 months (sentenced Aug. 6, 2025)
• Christopher Hill, 36: 2 years (sentenced Dec. 17, 2025)
• Adrian Pleasants, 29: 1 year, 8 months (sentenced Aug. 6, 2025)
• Darius Jenkins, 24: 1 year, 6 months (sentenced Oct. 7, 2025)

Investigation details: wiretaps, surveillance, travel and seizures

Court records described the investigation as relying on court-authorized wiretaps and physical surveillance. Investigators said several defendants repeatedly stopped at a residence on Cove Circle before traveling to conduct drug transactions, a pattern authorities said helped corroborate intercepted communications.

Investigators also reported that phone intercepts and surveillance captured plans by several defendants to travel to Seattle, Washington to purchase marijuana and transport it back to Georgia. After a law enforcement K9 alerted to the odor of narcotics on luggage at an airport, authorities reported seizing 232 pounds of marijuana. Officials also reported the seizure of more than $29,000 in cash during a separate airport search, describing the money as suspected drug proceeds.

Federal authorities said the case involved an armed trafficking organization distributing methamphetamine, cocaine and marijuana in Columbus, Georgia.

Broader enforcement context

The investigation involved federal and local partners, including the FBI, DEA, and the Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office, along with assistance from additional sheriff’s offices and the Muscogee County District Attorney’s Office. The prosecution was handled by federal prosecutors in Georgia and a trial attorney from the Department of Justice’s Criminal Division.