Massive cache of automatic weapons, methamphetamine brings down DeKalb County man
Vincent Denard Simon, 41, was sentenced to 20 years in prison after a DeKalb County jury found him guilty of trafficking massive quantities of methamphetamine and marijuana out of an Ellenwood home, concluding a major Georgia Bureau of Investigation
DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. - A DeKalb County jury found a 41-year-old man guilty of trafficking large quantities of marijuana and methamphetamine out of his home, officials announced.
DeKalb County illicit drug trade
What we know:
A jury found Vincent Denard Simon, 41, guilty on Wednesday of trafficking methamphetamine, trafficking marijuana and two counts of possessing a firearm during a felony. The conviction follows an investigation by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation that led to a raid on his home on Ward Lake Way in Ellenwood on Feb. 6, 2024. GBI agents learned Simon was selling drugs from the home and secured a search warrant after completing several controlled buys.
Inside the home, investigators found 132 pounds of marijuana, nearly a kilogram of methamphetamine pills, other unidentified powders and pills, and more than 40 firearms. The weapons cache included rifles, shotguns, pistols and automatic weapons. GBI laboratory technicians later tested the pills to confirm they contained methamphetamine.
On Thursday, Magistrate Judge Matthew McCoyd sentenced Simon to serve 20 years in prison followed by 40 years on probation. McCoyd, who presided over the trial by designation for the Superior Court, also ordered Simon to pay a $1.1 million fine.
Unresolved investigation details
What we don't know:
Officials have not yet confirmed the identity or chemical makeup of the other suspicious pills and powders seized during the raid. Authorities also did not disclose where Simon obtained the massive collection of firearms, which included automatic weapons. It remains unclear if any other individuals face charges in connection with the drug operation.
The Source: The information in this story was gathered from DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston, who announced the jury conviction and details of the sentencing hearing, as well as investigative details compiled by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Unit under the direction of Assistant Special Agent in Charge R. Jordan.