2 sentenced to federal prison in Athens-area drug trafficking cases

MACON, Ga. (WPGA) - Two men have been sentenced to federal prison in separate drug trafficking cases tied to the Athens area, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia.

Josue Serda, 28, of Jefferson, was sentenced Thursday to life in prison after being found guilty of drug and firearms charges. In a separate case, Orlando Muckle, 52, of Athens, was sentenced to 30 years in prison after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute cocaine.

Federal authorities announced the sentences alongside charges in a third investigation. The cases are part of a Homeland Security Task Force effort involving federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.

“We’re not spending our time targeting the drug dealer on the street corner we are trying to go up the chain as quickly as we can,” U.S. Attorney Will Keyes said.

Life sentence in fentanyl and meth case

Prosecutors said Serda was a supplier for the Jalisco New Generation Cartel and was involved in a conspiracy that distributed more than 7 kilograms of fentanyl and more than 50 kilograms of methamphetamine in the Athens area between January 2024 and May 2025.

Serda was convicted in July following a seven-day trial. His convictions included drug distribution, conspiracy and a firearms offense, according to the U.S. attorney’s office.

During a news conference Friday, Keyes said Serda acknowledged in a message that the fentanyl he was moving could kill people, but that the money was too good. Keyes also said Serda at times moved fentanyl while his toddler was present.

Cocaine sentence and third investigation

Prosecutors said Muckle obtained cocaine through sources associated with the Gulf Cartel and distributed it in the Athens area. During searches in July 2025, agents seized 26 kilograms of cocaine that Muckle admitted he intended to distribute, according to the U.S. attorney’s office.

In the third case, Raul Perez-Mondragon, 30, faces federal drug and firearms charges. Investigators said they seized more than 100 kilograms of methamphetamine and multiple firearms from an Athens home.

Authorities allege the methamphetamine was concealed inside cabbages wrapped in green cellophane. Perez-Mondragon remains in federal custody.

An indictment is an allegation, and Perez-Mondragon is presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Keyes said investigators are working to reach the people at the top of drug trafficking operations, whom he described as profiting the most from others’ suffering.

There is no parole in the federal prison system.