Thursday, January 23, 2025–6:23 p.m.
-John Bailey, Rome News-Tribune-
This story is possible because of a news-sharing agreement with the Rome News-Tribune. More information can be found at northwestgeorgianews.com
Federal and local law enforcement officers arrested a Floyd County man Thursday who allegedly conspired to distribute methamphetamine in Rome as well as Tennessee and Alabama.
According to a criminal complaint filed in U.S. District Court in Rome:
Alberto Guzman Guzman was arrested after an investigation by U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration agents and the High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area task force, as well as local law enforcement.
In one instance involving an undercover officer on Dec. 13, 2024, police scheduled the purchase of one pound of meth for $2,500.
“During the conversation, Guzman confirmed the transaction then advised the officer that he was going to send (him) a new phone number to contact him on,” the criminal complaint states. “Later that day Guzman texted from the new phone number and confirmed the transaction for the following week.”
On Dec. 18, 2024, Guzman recanted, saying he only had 13 ounces of the drug and would sell it for $2,000.
Police tracked Guzman as he left the area of Guzman Brothers Auto Repair shop on Center Street in Rome and traveled to the area of Guzman’s Garage at 2767 Old Summerville Road. They agreed via text to meet in the parking lot of the Mount Berry Mall.
“When Guzman arrived at the location he parked next to (the officer’s) vehicle and approached the driver’s side window,” the affidavit states. “(Guzman) gave him a plastic bag that contained a zip-loc style bag with approximately 13 ounces of methamphetamine in it.”
The drugs were tested in the DEA laboratory and were confirmed to be 359.3 grams of 100% pure methamphetamine.
Local police assisted in the arrest in Armuchee early Thursday, alongside SWAT, and Guzman appeared before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Walter Johnson later that day. Guzman’s attorney waived a first appearance hearing and he was released on an unsecured $10,000 bond.