VALDOSTA, GA. — This is an official press release from the U.S. Department of Justice (Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)), published as received.
VALDOSTA, Ga. – Three co-conspirators involved in an armed drug trafficking organization (DTO) based out of Cook County, Georgia, were found guilty at trial this week of federal drug and weapons charges, the second federal trial of members of this criminal organization.
Calvin James Smith, Jr., 36, of Tifton, Georgia, was found guilty of one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, one count of distribution of methamphetamine and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Smith faces a maximum of life in prison.
Eddie Lee Hardley, 36, of Adel, was found guilty of one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. Hardley faces a maximum of life in prison.
Yardley Payne, 57, of Adel, Georgia, was found guilty of one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and one count of possession of a firearm by a drug user. Payne faces a maximum of 15 years in prison per count.
The trial began on Monday, July 14, and concluded on Thursday, July 24. Senior U.S. District Judge W. Louis Sands is presiding over the case. Sentencing dates will be determined by the Court. There is no parole in the federal system.
“This case highlights the commitment of our law enforcement partners alongside our office to combat armed drug trafficking organizations and hold those connected to them accountable for their crimes,” said U.S. Attorney William R. “Will” Keyes. “We are thankful for the strength of the collaboration between federal, state and local law enforcement agencies in the Middle District of Georgia as we work together to make the communities we serve safer for everyone.”
“The success of this large-scale investigation and the arrests of these drug dealers demonstrates the FBI’s commitment to fighting the drug trafficking organizations responsible for driving addiction and destroying communities,” said FBI Atlanta Special Agent in Charge Paul Brown.
"Today’s verdict sends a clear message that criminal organizations operating in Georgia, especially those trafficking in dangerous drugs and using firearms to further their operations, will be held accountable,” said GBI Director Chris Hosey. “This conviction is a testament to the tireless work of our law enforcement partners, who have dedicated countless hours to ensuring that those who threaten our communities with violence and illegal substances will face justice.”
According to court documents and statements referenced in court, the FBI undertook a significant investigation beginning as early as December 2020 of an armed drug trafficking organization (DTO) centered in Adel. The DTO was led by co-conspirator Calvin James Smith, Sr., aka “Rollo,” 56, of Adel, Georgia, who, in January 2025, was found guilty at trial of all 23 counts charged in the 44-count indictment. For more information about that trial, please visit: https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdga/pr/guilty-verdict-cook-county-armed-drug-trafficking-conspiracy-trial. The investigation determined that Smith, Jr. (the son of Smith, Sr.), Hardley and Payne conspired with others to distribute large quantities of methamphetamine and crack cocaine, as well as marijuana, working with several associates of the DTO. Agents discovered 13 locations used by the DTO. Search warrants were executed at these locations on Nov. 10, 2022, and methamphetamine, cocaine, crack cocaine, fentanyl, marijuana and 15 handguns and rifles were seized. Agents recovered more than five kilograms of pure methamphetamine, more than ten pounds of marijuana and several hundred grams of crack cocaine and cocaine.
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. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
This case was investigated by the FBI and the Georgia Bureau of Investigations (GBI), with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Cook County Sheriff’s Office, the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office, the Adel Police Department, the Hahira Police Department and the Moultrie Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Monica Daniels prosecuted the case for the Government with assistance from Criminal Chief Leah McEwen and Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Morrison.
