Former Pierce County Deputy Sheriff Pleads Guilty to Providing Protection for Meth Dealers

WAYCROSS, GA—Randy Strickland, 55, a former Pierce County, Georgia Deputy Sheriff, pled guilty last week before United States District Court Judge William T. Moore, Jr. for his role in trafficking methamphetamine.
According to the evidence presented during his guilty plea hearing, Strickland agreed to act as “security” for individuals he believed were dealing meth by acting as the lookout. Strickland’s drug activities occurred while he was in uniform and armed, and while he was driving his police vehicle. After receiving information about Strickland’s apparent criminal activities, Pierce County Sheriff Ramsey Bennett immediately requested federal law enforcement assistance. As a result, Strickland’s last “security detail” was for a confidential informant and under the watchful eyes of several federal agents. On that occasion, Strickland agreed to act as the lookout for an individual whom he believed to be a drug dealer selling ounces of methamphetamine. Shortly after receiving his charged fee of $100, which at Strickland’s direction was placed in a potato chip bag on the side of a road, Strickland was arrested by federal authorities.
United States Attorney Edward Tarver stated, "Former Deputy Sheriff Strickland’s actions tarnished the badge and the community’s trust. Police corruption leaves a stain on the good work of our law enforcement community. Make no mistake that defendants who violate the trust of this community, law enforcement or otherwise, will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
“Mr. Strickland abused his position of public trust and demonstrated a complete lack of integrity by protecting people he believed to be meth dealers,” said Brock D. Nicholson, Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Atlanta. “Thanks to the hard work of HSI special agents and the assistance of our partners at the ATF, FBI, Pierce County Sheriff’s Office, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, his schemes have been broken.”
Mark F. Giuliano, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Atlanta Field Office, stated, “While the guilty plea of former Pierce County Deputy Sheriff Strickland concludes a sensitive and critical joint investigation, it also concludes one man’s career in law enforcement. These law enforcement based public corruption cases clearly illustrate the harm that can be done to the community as well as the criminal justice system, but they also provide an opportunity for those many committed law enforcement officers to re-dedicate themselves to the oaths that they were sworn to uphold.”
“The criminal conduct of former Pierce County Deputy Sheriff Strickland is unconscionable and unthinkable for those serving faithfully within the criminal justice community,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Christopher Shaefer. “The guilty plea will provide many opportunities for him to reflect on his actions and serve as notice to others that the ATF and our law enforcement partners will not tolerate this type of conduct.”
Pierce County Sheriff Ramsey Bennett stated, “It is of utmost importance that the public not perceive that we in law enforcement act as though we are ‘above the law.’ The investigation and prosecution of Randy Strickland should reassure the general public that I, as sheriff will, not tolerate law enforcement officers in my jurisdiction that violate the law and the public trust. Those of us who take an oath to serve and protect the public and uphold the constitution must be vigilant in regard to our duties and what the public expects of us.”
Strickland faces up to 20 years in prison for his conviction. There is no parole in the federal system. Strickland’s sentencing will be scheduled after the U.S. Probation Office completes a presentence investigation report.
This case was investigated by ATF, HSI, FBI, and local law enforcement. Assistant United States Attorneys Greg Gilluly and Tania Groover are prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States. For additional information, please contact First Assistant United States Attorney James D. Durham at (912) 201-2547

Pierce County Deputy Sheriff Arrested on Drug Trafficking Charge

BRUNSWICK, GA—Pierce County Sheriff’s Deputy Randy Strickland, 55, was arrested on federal charges yesterday for his role in the trafficking of methamphetamine. Strickland had his initial appearance today in federal court in Brunswick, Georgia, before United States Magistrate Judge James E. Graham, where he was ordered detained without a bond.
According to papers filed with the District Court, Deputy Strickland allegedly agreed to act as “security” for individuals he believed were dealing meth by acting as the lookout. Strickland’s drug activities allegedly occurred while he was in uniform and while he was driving his police vehicle. When Pierce County Sheriff Ramsey Bennett received information about Strickland’s apparent criminal activities, he immediately requested federal law enforcement assistance.
United States Attorney Edward Tarver stated, "Police corruption leaves a permanent stain on the good work of our law enforcement community. Make no mistake that defendants who violate the trust of this community, law enforcement or otherwise, will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
“This defendant took an oath to uphold the law and protect the citizens of Pierce County,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Christopher Shaefer. “Instead, he is alleged to have betrayed the community he swore to protect. Corrupt officers unfortunately tarnish the badge worn proudly by the committed men and women of law enforcement. The success of this investigation would not have been possible without the dynamic level of law enforcement cooperation.”
“The result of this arrest demonstrates the strong relationships HSI has established with our federal and local partners,” said HSI Special Agent in Charge Brock D. Nicholson, Atlanta, Georgia. “It is a disappointing day when we have to arrest a law enforcement officer in a position of public trust, but maintaining the integrity of our law enforcement system is of upmost importance.”
Mark F. Giuliano, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Atlanta Field Office, stated, “Public corruption matters in general continue to be the FBI’s highest investigative priorities due to the potential it has to erode public trust. When those corrupt and illegal activities involve a law enforcement official operating within the color of law, the FBI will address them with a greater sense of urgency. While these cases constitute a serious breach of trust by the official or officer involved, the public should be reminded that the vast majority of those working within the criminal justice system are dedicated to their sworn oaths of office. Furthermore, the public should be reassured that the FBI remains committed to working vigorously with our federal, state, and local partners to investigate such matters and hold these individuals committing such crimes accountable for their actions.”
Pierce County Sheriff Ramsey Bennett said, “This is a situation where there are no winners. This gives the office of the sheriff a black eye and erodes the confidence of the public in law enforcement. As sheriff, I will not tolerate this type of conduct. I want to reassure the public that we will police ourselves as well as the general public.”
The present charge against Strickland carries a maximum prison sentence of 40 years and a fine up to $5,000,000. Mr. Tarver emphasized that a criminal complaint is only an accusation and is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case was investigated by ATF, HSI, FBI, and local law enforcement. Assistant United States Attorneys Greg Gilluly and Tania Groover are prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States. For additional information, please contact First Assistant United states Attorney James D. Durham at (912) 201-2547.