Cobb Crack Trafficker Sent to Prison

A Gainesville man has received a lengthy prison sentence after a Cobb County jury convicted him of drug trafficking last week, the Cobb County District Attorney’s Office announced Wednesday.

Maxime Patrick Bien Aime, 36, was pulled over at the intersection of Windy Hill and Powers Ferry roads in the Cumberland area on the night of May 15 2014. During a search of his person, police discovered a bag containing 36 grams of crack cocaine, a bag with nine grams of powder cocaine, one marijuana cigarette, a scale, and approximately $3,500 in cash. A stolen handgun was also discovered inside the vehicle.

During his trial, Bien Aime took the stand and admitted possession of the drugs, but claimed they were for personal use, the DA’s Office said. Bien Aime denied knowing anything about the stolen handgun.

Bien Aime was found guilty of trafficking in cocaine, possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, and possession of a firearm during a felony and by a convicted felon, the DA’s Office said. He was also found guilty of misdemeanor possession of marijuana. The jury acquitted him of one count of theft by receiving.

On Tuesday afternoon, Cobb Superior Court Judge Reuben M. Green sentenced the defendant to 40 years, with 20 years to serve in prison and the rest on probation, according to the DA’s Office. Judge Green also imposed a $200,000 fine.

“The cocaine that the jury convicted the defendant of trafficking could have reached hundreds of citizens in Cobb County,” said ADA Shep Orlow, who prosecuted the case. “I believe the sentence imposed by Judge Green sends a message that if you are convicted in Cobb County of peddling this poison, you will be reflecting on your actions from the inside of a prison cell for a long time.”