DOJ charges Mexico City man in large-scale cocaine conspiracy affecting Middle Georgia
Prosecutors say the organization moved more than 2,000 kilograms of cocaine into the region.
MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — A 39-year-old man from Mexico City is facing federal drug conspiracy charges tied to a massive cocaine trafficking organization that funneled thousands of kilograms of drugs into Middle Georgia, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia.
Jose Pineda Perez, also known as “Pretty Boy,” is charged by indictment with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
The U.S. Department of Justice said Wednesday that Pineda Perez is among 37 Mexican nationals being transferred into U.S. custody to face federal charges across the country.
According to court records, Pineda Perez is accused of participating in a drug trafficking organization responsible for distributing more than 2,000 kilograms of cocaine from Mexico into the United States, including large quantities that made their way into the Middle District of Georgia
“Jose Pineda Perez is wanted on charges related to a violent drug trafficking organization responsible for distributing more than 2,000 kilograms of cocaine from Mexico into the United States, much of it in the Middle District of Georgia” U.S. Attorney William R. ‘Will’ Keyes in a statement. “Now, Pineda Perez will have his day in court, and we are grateful that justice can be served in this case.”
The case is connected to a long-running federal investigation that previously led to the conviction and sentencing of Albert Ross, also known as “Big,” a 53-year-old Georgia man identified by prosecutors as the leader of the drug trafficking organization.
In June 2024, Ross was sentenced to two life terms in federal prison after pleading guilty to drug trafficking conspiracy charges, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Prosecutors said Ross directed the movement of approximately 2,000 kilograms of cocaine from Mexico into the United States, with significant distribution in Middle Georgia.
Federal investigators previously said the organization relied on stash houses, couriers, wire communications and large cash transfers, and that the investigation resulted in the seizure of millions of dollars in cash, dozens of firearms, and large quantities of cocaine, fentanyl, methamphetamine and other drugs.
Pineda Perez’s charge carries a maximum possible sentence of life in prison, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Prosecutors say an indictment is an allegation, and Pineda Perez is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
