Convicted drug smuggler gets 30 years in Putnam

EATONTON, Ga. — A Mexican drug cartel smuggler was convicted in Putnam County Superior Court Thursday afternoon and later sentenced to major time in a state prison. A 12-member jury listened to statements by the prosecution and defense, as well as testimony from several witnesses before returning a guilty verdict in the case against Mario Muñoz. Ocmulgee Judicial Circuit Superior Court Judge Amanda S. Petty, who presided over the case, later sentenced Muñoz to 30 years. The first 25 years are to be served in prison, and the remaining five years on probation. Muñoz was also fined a $1 million. After the trial, Ocmulgee Judicial Circuit District Attorney T. Wright Barksdale III talked about the case, which was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Carter Harwell and Chief Assistant District Attorney Allison Mauldin.

This excerpt comes from the named source. Read the original for the full reporting.