ATLANTA, GA – A federal jury has convicted Jarvis Matthews, a convicted murderer already serving life without parole, for orchestrating a multi-million-dollar drug trafficking and money laundering operation from inside a Georgia state prison. The verdict follows a five-day trial in which prosecutors laid out evidence showing Matthews used contraband cellphones to run an extensive criminal enterprise while incarcerated.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Matthews, 46, of Morgan, Georgia, directed the distribution of methamphetamine, heroin, and fentanyl in the Atlanta area. He recruited family members, including his fiancée, girlfriends, nephew, and two adult sons, to carry out deliveries, collect drug proceeds, and launder money. The operation allegedly involved multiple kilograms of drugs sourced internationally.
Federal investigators uncovered Matthews’ scheme through extensive surveillance, including a court-authorized wiretap on his contraband cellphone and video monitoring at one of the operation’s trap houses. In April 2022, FBI agents conducted a controlled purchase of two kilograms of methamphetamine from Matthews’ adult son, Charvis Harris, who had already pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess controlled substances with intent to distribute. Testimony at trial showed Matthews directed dozens of transactions using social media accounts while evading law enforcement detection…