A North Georgia man was sentenced on Monday to 125 months in federal prison in a case in which he said he was given a drug stash by an individual he said told him the drugs needed to be sold to obtain money to pay an attorney.
Christopher Messer appeared before Federal Judge Sandy Mattice in Chattanooga.
His sentencing range was 180-235 months, but the 125 months was part of a plea deal.
His attorney, Gianna Maio, said Messer was trying to get away from drugs, but he was approached by Max Jones, who gave him almost a pound of high-purity meth. She said Jones stated that half of the proceeds from the sale was to be a retainer for an attorney in a case he faced.
Authorities were later tipped off about the drugs and went to a trailer in Copperhill, Tn. They did not initially find the drugs, but Messer then told them the 350 grams of crystal meth was hidden in a fanny pack underneath the shower of the mobile home.
The search for the drugs was Dec. 24, 2014, by Polk County detective Pete Roberts and Capt. Keith Baker. Messer was in custody at the time on unrelated charges.
Prosecutor Michael Porter said Messer initially cooperated with agents, then he "went rogue."
Attorney Maio said there was a DUI case in which he wrecked and had to be airlifted to Erlanger Hospital. She said he suffered multiple injuries.
Charges have not been brought against Max Jones, it was stated.
Attorney Maio said Messer turned to drugs after he was in his early teens and witnessed his father shoot and kill his mother.
Messer has prior drug felony convictions in Whitfield, Fannin and Cobb counties in Georgia.