4 indicted in drug conspiracy distributing meth in Richmond County

Defendants were found selling drugs from a motel room

Four people have been indicted in Richmond County on federal charges for distributing methamphetamine and illegally possessing firearms.

The eight-count indictment, returned by a U.S. District Court grand jury, alleges that the four defendants were involved in a conspiracy dating back at least to February 2018 to distribute large amounts of methamphetamine throughout the Augusta area, said Bobby L. Christine, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia.

“Cooperative efforts by federal and local law enforcement partners, including the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office, provide our office with powerful tools to dismantle illegal drug distribution networks,” said U.S. Attorney Christine. “Working together, we will use every weapon at our disposal to eliminate these merchants of misery.”

The investigation, which included controlled purchases and federal search warrants, seized quantities of methamphetamine, 15 firearms and more than $44,000 in cash.

Charged in the indictment are:

• Bridget Lydell Biggam, 35, of Appling, Ga., is charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine; Possession of 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute; and Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute. She faces a possible sentence of up to life in prison.
• Christopher Allen Marshall, 33, of Augusta, Ga., is charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine; Possession of 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute; Possession of Firearms in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime; and Possession of Firearms by a Convicted Felon. He faces a possible sentence of up to life in prison.
• Bjorn Michael Wiley, 42, of Martinez, Ga.; is charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine; and Possession of 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute. He faces a possible sentence of up to life in prison. And,
• John Tillman Durst, 29, of Waynesboro, Ga., is charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute 5 Grams or More of Methamphetamine; and Possession of Methamphetamine. He faces a possible sentence of up to 40 years in prison.

Each of the defendants, if convicted, also would be subject to substantial fines and would serve a period of supervised release after completion of any prison sentence. There is no parole in the federal system.

Robert J. Murphy, the Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division said of the indictments, “This criminal network posed a clear and present danger to the safety and security of the Augusta area. Their removal automatically makes this community safer. These indictments illustrate how success can be achieved through the combined efforts between federal, state and local law enforcement and the U.S. Attorney’s Office.”

“When you arrest four drug traffickers with 15 firearms, this is a victory for the citizens of Richmond County,” said Richmond County Sheriff Richard Roundtree. “This will contribute to reducing the senseless gun violence accompanied by drug distribution and firearms.  We continue to value our partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.”

Criminal indictments contain only charges; defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

The investigation is being conducted by the DEA and the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office, and prosecuted for the United States by Assistant U.S. Attorney Henry W. Syms Jr.