A Cherokee County man, known as “Cheese,” will spend more than seven years in federal prison after authorities uncovered a dangerous mix of drugs, illegal weapons, and a moonshine still on his property.
Michael Ferrell Price, 68, of Ball Ground, Georgia, pleaded guilty to possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and possession of a firearm as an unlawful drug user. He was sentenced to 87 months in prison.
The investigation began in September 2024, when the Cherokee Multi-Agency Narcotics Squad (CMANS) looked into Price for allegedly selling methamphetamine from his mother’s home.
The following month, agents executed a search warrant and discovered over three ounces of highly pure crystal meth in a backwoods shed. The shed also contained more than 150 firearms, including two machine guns, a short-barreled rifle, and unregistered silencers.
Authorities also found an illegal moonshine still in an adjacent structure. Court documents noted that Price’s long-term methamphetamine use prohibited him under federal law from possessing firearms or explosives.
U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg stressed the danger Price posed to the community: “Price posed a clear danger to the community by selling methamphetamine and distilling moonshine while maintaining an illegal stash of explosive devices and more than 150 firearms.”
The case involved collaboration between the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and CMANS, with support from the Blue Ridge Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office. Major Walter Jones, Director of Drug Enforcement for CMANS, emphasized the serious risks: “Stockpiling weapons while trafficking drugs is a recipe for tragedy.”
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