AUGUSTA, GA – Kelvin Laron Howard, a 68-year-old resident of Augusta, has been sentenced to nearly 15 years in federal prison following his conviction on several charges related to drug trafficking and illegal gun possession. U.S. District Court Judge J. Randal Hall imposed the sentence of 175 months after Howard was found guilty by a jury of Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin, Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime, and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.
Jill E. Steinberg, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia, highlighted the significance of the conviction, noting that Howard was a major distributor of illegal drugs in the Augusta area. The sentencing reflects a zero-tolerance policy for armed drug dealers within the community. In addition to his prison term, Howard is fined $2,500 and will serve three years of supervised release, with no possibility of parole.
The charges stemmed from a thorough investigation led by the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office, which identified Howard as a key heroin distributor. During a search of his apartment, law enforcement officers discovered substantial quantities of heroin—enough for over 700 doses—along with drug scales, packaging materials, nearly $1,000 in cash, and a loaded semiautomatic pistol.
Beau Kolodka, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the Atlanta Field Office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, emphasized the importance of prosecuting violent criminals to enhance community safety. Richmond County Sheriff Richard Roundtree also commented on the community’s support for law enforcement efforts, noting that Howard’s arrest and conviction through a jury trial underscored local backing for the crackdown on illegal activities.
Howard’s sentencing is seen as a critical step in reducing drug-related violence and illegal firearm possession in the Augusta area, contributing to safer community environments.
