Pair Found Guilty in Cumberland-Area Hotel Drug Case

Ralph Timothy Wages, 46, of Douglasville, was found guilty of trafficking in methamphetamine, possession of oxycodone, possession of a firearm during commission of a felony, theft by receiving, and giving false information to a law-enforcement officer.

Alicia Barrett, 31, of Villa Rica, was found guilty of possession of methamphetamine.

Police arrived at the La Quinta Inn at 2415 Paces Ferry Road on May 24, 2013, in response to a call about a smell coming from a room. They first encountered Barrett at the door to the room, and later Wages.

The room had been rented in the name of someone else. A search of the room uncovered a large quantity of methamphetamine, oxycodone, indications of drug sales, and a loaded firearm.

After the jury returned its verdict, Assistant District Attorney Kimberly L. Schwartz presented evidence of Mr. Wages’ three prior felony convictions in support of a lengthy prison sentence.

Cobb Superior Court Judge A. Gregory Poole then sentenced Wages under the recidivist statute to 30 years to serve in prison. Barrett was sentenced to 10 years of probation and fined $500, and she was ordered to get a drug and alcohol evaluation and any recommended treatment.

“Methamphetamine has destroyed so many lives,” Schwartz said in a statement. “I am pleased that this drug dealer can no longer conduct his business in Cobb County.”

The trial began March 24.