In 2019, a trafficking case involving an inmate from the Georgia Department of Corrections has resulted in a sentencing.
Coweta County District Attorney’s Office announced that Rodolfo Ortiz has reached a negotiated plea in relation to his participation in the Sureños criminal street gang and his role in a trafficking case.
Ortiz received a 50-year prison sentence, with 25 years to be served in confinement.
In 2019, the DA revealed that Ortiz had sent a text message to an undercover officer from the Newnan police department, expressing his interest in distributing methamphetamine. During that period, Ortiz was serving his sentence as an inmate at the Georgia Department of Corrections. Engaging in what is known as a “prison broker” arrangement, Ortiz informed the undercover officer that his associates would deliver illicit drugs to him in return for financial compensation, as reported by officials.
Ortiz and the undercover officer had multiple phone conversations to coordinate the transaction, which was set to take place at a restaurant in Coweta County. According to the District Attorney, one of Ortiz’s associates from the Sureños gang traveled from Gwinnett County to the designated location to hand over the meth to the undercover officer. Upon meeting with the officer, Ortiz’s accomplice revealed three sizable gallon-sized zip lock bags containing a total of five kilograms of methamphetamine.
The person, along with Mr. Ortiz, faced indictment and charges for trafficking methamphetamine and violating the Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act.
After being sentenced and returning to prison, Ortiz used a contraband phone to contact the undercover officer. He expressed his fear of the sentence imposed under the Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act. In an attempt to secure a transfer to a less violent institution, Ortiz offered to coordinate additional drug transactions with the undercover officer. The investigation into this matter is currently ongoing.
