Macon man pleads guilty to distributing fentanyl, faces up to 20 years in prison
A Macon resident with a criminal history admitted to distributing fentanyl in federal court on Tuesday and faces up to 20 years in prison.
MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A Macon resident with a criminal history admitted to distributing fentanyl in federal court on Tuesday and faces up to 20 years in prison.
According to a news release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia, 30-year-old Gary Hollingshed pleaded guilty to distribution of fentanyl before U.S. District Judge Marc Treadwell. Hollingshed faces a maximum of 20 years in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release and a $1 million fine. Sentencing is set for January 8, 2025.
“Fentanyl is a killer, and fentanyl dealers in Middle Georgia will face federal prosecution and stiff penalties,” U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary said. “Working with our law enforcement and community partners, we will continue our combined efforts to prevent fentanyl distribution and hold fentanyl traffickers accountable.”
Hollingshed has prior felony state convictions for burglary and illegal drug possession and distribution. Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Division called Hollingshed a “career criminal” and a “tragic example of individuals who have no regard for the safety of our community.”
“DEA will continue to bring to justice drug traffickers who drive addiction and destroy communities,” he said.
According to court documents and statements, federal and local agencies began investigating Hollingshed for distributing fentanyl, heroin and meth in Macon. In February 2022, they used a confidential source and surveillance and conducted their first controlled purchase of meth from Hollingshed in the parking lot of a Macon hotel. A second controlled purchase happened less than a week later at a local store.
“While under surveillance, Hollingshed asked an undercover agent acting as the buyer if he wanted heroin or fentanyl; the undercover agent requested heroin,” the release said. “The substance thought to be heroin was actually a fentanyl mixture weighing 28.56 grams. Hollingshed also sold the undercover agent 140.1 grams of methamphetamine.”
Hollingshed was taken into custody in Monroe County on March 9, 2022 after a trip to metro Atlanta to resupply, according to the release, after deputies stopped the car for a malfunctioning taillight off I-75 and smelled marijuana. Three preschool-aged children were in the car at the time. Agents found nearly a kilogram of meth in the car, along with more than 56 grams of fentanyl.
Six days later, agents searched Hollingshed’s supplier’s home in Woodstock and seized more than a half-kilogram of meth, multiple weapons, cocaine, crack cocaine and marijuana.
Bibb County Sheriff David Davis called Hollingshed’s prosecution the result of diligence and dedication by the Bibb and Monroe County Sheriff’s Offices and their federal partners.
