A mother and son duo from Augusta are among six defendants handed hefty federal prison sentences for their roles in a large-scale meth trafficking ring.
James Andrew McPherson, 30, the ringleader of this operation, was sentenced to 15 1/2 years behind bars for his involvement in conspiring to distribute methamphetamine. His mother, Leslie Helinski, 54, was also convicted and sentenced to nearly 11 years for her part in the scheme, according to a press release.
The case reveals a troubling family connection in the drug trade. McPherson’s organization was responsible for transporting high-purity meth from Atlanta and distributing it across Richmond, Columbia, and Burke counties. Notably, McPherson enlisted his mother, Helinski, as one of his couriers in this operation, a fact that underscores the depth of their criminal enterprise.
The other sentences handed down include:
- Brandon Wayne Johnson, 43, of Hephzibah, sentenced to 7 years for possession with intent to distribute meth.
- Marcus Smith, a/k/a “Smoke,” 32, of Augusta, sentenced to 12 ½ years for distribution of meth.
- Tony Watson, 49, of Conover, N.C., sentenced to 10 years for possession with intent to distribute meth.
- Charity Porter, 25, of Augusta, sentenced to three years for distribution of meth.
“Our communities are safer with these illegal drug distributors off the streets,” U.S. Attorney Jill E. Steinberg said, adding that there is no parole in the federal system.
The investigation, led by the Drug Enforcement Administration with support from local law enforcement, has been hailed as a significant success.
“Driven by greed, these traffickers posed a serious threat to our area,” said Robert J. Murphy, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Division. “This case demonstrates that those who devastate our communities with drugs will face justice.”
