Athens Grandmother Convicted Of Drug Trafficking

ATHENS, GA — An Athens grandmother accused of selling methamphetamine with her grandchild in the car was convicted on drug charges Wednesday, the Department of Justice said in a news release Thursday.

Kimberly Garcia, 52, was found guilty of one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of possession of methamphetamine after a two-day trial, according to the Justice Department.

Corey Gresham, 38, of Athens, a co-defendant in the case, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, according to the Justice Department.

Both Garcia and Gresham face a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison and a $5 million fine, the department said. They will be sentenced at a later date.

The Justice Department said Garcia had drugs in her possession while her 2-year-old grandchild was in the backseat of a car on July 6, 2020.

Authorities were investigating Garcia after being told by an informant that she regularly sold meth at the Airport Mini Mart in Athens while her grandchildren were in the car, according to the Justice Department.

Garcia and Gresham drove to an apartment complex in Lawrenceville, where the Justice Department said a known meth supplier lived. She left the apartment with a bag, the Justice Department said.

On their way back to Athens, Oconee County deputies tried to pull over Gresham and Garcia's car; but, Gresham sped away, running red lights and ultimately slowing down the car at Fairfield Circle, according to the Justice Department.

The car did not come to a complete stop, and Gresham jumped out of the car and ran away to a relative's house while the car was still moving, the Justice Department said.

Garcia got into the driver's side and was able to stop the car before it crashed into a phone pole, the Justice Department said. She stayed in the car with her grandchild in the backseat.

Gresham was arrested and had outstanding warrants at the time of his arrest, the Justice Department said.

According to the department, 37.94 grams of meth and drug distribution supplies, including baggies and a spoon, were found during a search.

Authorities searched Garcia's phone and found messages regarding meth trafficking in it, the Justice Department said.

The Athens-Clarke County Police Department, Oconee County Sheriff’s Office and DEA investigated the case.