ATLANTA — A Cherokee County man who trafficked methamphetamine while running an illegal moonshine still and stockpiling firearms and explosives has been sentenced to more than seven years in federal prison.
Michael Ferrell Price, 68, of Ball Ground — also known as “Cheese” — was sentenced on August 21, 2025, to 87 months in prison followed by four years of supervised release. He pleaded guilty in May to possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and possession of a firearm by an unlawful drug user.
Federal prosecutors said Price was selling methamphetamine from a shed behind his 90-year-old mother’s home in eastern Cherokee County. When agents executed a search warrant in October 2024, they found more than three ounces of high-purity meth, several gallons of moonshine, dozens of illegal explosive devices, and more than 150 firearms.
Among the weapons were two machineguns, a short-barreled rifle, five silencers, a stolen revolver, and a privately manufactured “ghost gun” without a serial number. Because Price was a longtime meth user, federal law prohibited him from possessing firearms or explosives.
“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,” said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. “Thanks to the collaboration of federal agents and local law enforcement, Price has been brought to justice for his crimes.”
ATF officials said the case highlights the importance of interagency cooperation.
“This case demonstrates the results we achieve when federal, state, and local law enforcement work hand-in-hand,” said Beau Kolodka, Assistant Special Agent in Charge for ATF.
Local authorities agreed. “Stockpiling weapons while trafficking drugs is a recipe for tragedy,” said Major Walter Jones, Director of Drug Enforcement with the Cherokee Multi-Agency Narcotics Squad. “Price’s sentencing should make clear that those who choose that path will face serious consequences.”
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Cherokee Multi-Agency Narcotics Squad, with assistance from the Blue Ridge Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office.
