Three Convicted of Gang and Drug Charges in Fulton County Following Operation Heatwave

Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr today announced that Chiquille Bell, Marcus Thornton and Contrellis Brooks have pleaded guilty to charges related to criminal street gang activity and the illegal distribution of drugs, including Oxycodone, Amphetamines, Marijuana, Psilocybin Mushrooms, and Xanax. These convictions stem from Operation Heatwave in 2023, a multi-agency effort led by the Atlanta Police Department (APD). In this case alone, law enforcement was able to recover eight firearms, 326 grams of Oxycodone, 122 grams of Amphetamines, 53.5 lbs. of Marijuana, more than 3 lbs. of Psilocybin Mushrooms, and over 12 grams of Xanax.

The defendants are associates of the Rollin 60s Neighborhood Crips, a traditional street gang based in Los Angeles, California, with a large presence throughout Atlanta. Chiquille Bell served as the ringleader for the gang’s drug distribution enterprise.

“More guns, drugs and criminals are off our streets, and the people of Atlanta are safer for it,” said Attorney General Chris Carr. “For four years now, we have partnered with the Atlanta Police Department on Operation Heatwave – taking action against repeat offenders who continue to wreak havoc in our communities. Together, we’re fighting gang activity and violent crime throughout the city, and it’s working.”

Operation Heatwave is an annual, summer-long initiative that brings together local, state and federal law enforcement to target gangs, guns and drugs in the most violence-prone areas of Atlanta. In 2023, its second year, this 16-week effort spanned seven multi-agency operations and resulted in 96 arrests, including the apprehension of 41 suspected gang members and the recovery of 62 guns. These statistics include the defendants convicted and firearms recovered in this case.

“Operation Heatwave reflects the proactive work underway to sustain Atlanta’s progress in reducing crime,” said Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum. “Through intelligence-led policing and strong coordination with our federal, state and local partners, we are focusing resources where they are needed most and addressing gangs, illegal guns and drugs before they contribute to violence. These partnerships, along with the continued work of our sworn and civilian personnel, are helping us keep crime moving in the right direction and protect everyone who lives, works and visits Atlanta.”

This case was prosecuted by Assistant Attorneys General Lee M. Stoy, Jr. and Brooklyn Franklin. It was investigated by APD, with assistance from the Attorney General’s Gang Prosecution Unit.

Guilty Pleas and Sentencing

Information regarding each plea and sentence is included below.

Chiquille Bell, 32, of Atlanta:

On Sept. 15, 2026, Bell pleaded guilty to the following charges.

• 1 count of Violation of the Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act
• 1 count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Amphetamine

A Fulton County Superior Court Judge sentenced the defendant to 25 years, with the first eight years to be served in prison and the remainder on strict probation.

Marcus Thornton, 37, of Atlanta: 

On March 27, 2026, Thornton pleaded guilty to the following charges.

• 3 counts of Violation of the Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act
• 2 counts of Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony
• 1 count of Trafficking Oxycodone
• 1 count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Amphetamine

A Fulton County Superior Court Judge sentenced the defendant to 15 years of strict probation.

Contrellis Brooks, 36, of Atlanta: 

On Oct. 2, 2024, Brooks pleaded guilty to the following charges.

• 3 counts of Violation of the Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act
• 5 counts of Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony
• 1 count of Trafficking Oxycodone
• 1 count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Amphetamine
• 1 count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana
• 1 count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Psilocybin Mushrooms
• 1 count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Alprazolam (Xanax)
• 1 count of Possession of Drug Related Objects

A Fulton County Superior Court Judge sentenced the defendant to 35 years, with the first seven to be served in prison and the remainder on strict probation.