Ronnie Music Jr’s life took a dramatic turn after he won an estimated $3 million (£2.3 million) on a Georgia scratch-off lottery ticket in 2015. Instead of using his winnings for a comfortable lifestyle, Music chose to funnel his fortune into criminal activities, culminating in a sprawling methamphetamine drug trafficking operation.
At the time of his win, Music was a 44-year-old maintenance supervisor and a convicted felon. He informed lottery officials that he planned to invest his newfound wealth—and, indeed, he did, albeit in a dark way. He constructed an illicit drug network centered around methamphetamine distribution, operating across multiple states.
Despite a major bust in September 2015 where ten of his associates were arrested attempting to distribute $500,000 (£362,000) worth of meth provided by Music, he continued his illegal enterprises. Court documents reveal that Music witnessed the arrests but persisted in trafficking drugs until law enforcement caught up with him weeks later.
READ MORE: ‘Iconic’ Cotswolds Pub Announces Unexpected Closure Months After Reopening
READ MORE: Our Yorkshire Farm Star Amanda Owen Celebrates Daughter Raven’s Graduation with Heartfelt Tribute
During his arrest, police found four pounds of methamphetamine, $17,000 in cash, and launched searches of his home and workplace. This search uncovered 11 firearms, including assault-style weapons, a stolen revolver, and an illegal sawn-off shotgun. As a convicted felon, Music was prohibited from possessing firearms, adding to his legal troubles.
On April 3, 2017, just two years after his lottery win, Music was sentenced to 21 years in federal prison. Judge Lisa Goodby Wood condemned his reckless decisions: “Nobody has ever blown lottery winnings in a more dangerous and destructive way than you did.” Acting US Attorney Jim Durham highlighted the serious impact of Music’s crimes, stating, “Mr. Music is a predator who has destroyed lives by pushing poison and fear.”
Music’s story serves as a cautionary tale about the devastating consequences of turning sudden wealth into organized crime.