Jeffrey Lockett-Captured in 2006 High Speed Chase-Also Sentenced to 25 Years in Prison

Fulton County District Attorney Paul L. Howard, Jr. announces the conviction of 43-year-old Jeffrey Lockett of Mableton on one count of trafficking cocaine in excess of 400 grams. At yesterday's conclusion of a trial which began Tuesday, February 12th, the Superior Court jury found the defendant guilty. Judge T. Jackson Bedford, Jr. immediately sentenced Lockett to 30 years in prison to serve 25 years and imposed a one-million-dollar fine.

The defendant was arrested during a sting operation jointly conducted by the Atlanta Police Department's Red Dog Unit Team 4 and HIDTA (High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area) agents on February 17, 2006. Lockett and co-defendant Clarence Spencer were delivering a kilogram of cocaine to a confidential informant when their 2000 silver Acura was pulled over for a non-working right brake light. When ordered to exit the car, Spencer sped off, leading police on a chase that ended off Interstate 20 at Fulton Industrial Boulevard. Police saw Lockett toss a package from the passenger window which was later determined to be 736 grams of cocaine. Lockett was arrested after a brief foot pursuit; Spencer was a fugitive until he surrendered to authorities in August 2006. Last week before the start of Lockett's trial, Spencer pleaded guilty to one count of trafficking in cocaine, fleeing and attempting to elude and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. He testified for the State against Lockett during the trial. Spencer will be sentenced Monday, February 25th at 9:30 a.m. in Courtroom 4-F of the Justice Center Tower.

The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Shepard Orlow and Chief Senior Assistant District Attorney Leigh DuPré, head of the Major Drug Unit.

CONTACT: Lyn Vaughn, 404.730.6860 (office); 770.597.6963 (cell); lyn.vaughn@co.fulton.ga.us