Two Sureño gang members receive 40-year sentences after year-long Gwinnett County prove

GEINNETT COUNTY, GA – Two members of the Sureño gang have been sentenced to 40 years in prison on drug charges  after a year-long investigation by the Gwinnett County Metro Police Drug Task force investigators.

A Gwinnett County jury found both Melvis Argenis Corrales, 29, of Lawrenceville, and Marcos Junior Sandoval , 35, of Norcross, guilty of Violation of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act, Violation of the Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act, and possession of Methamphetamine with intent to distribute.

“The carnage that comes from gang activity is intolerable in Gwinnett County,” said District Attorney Patsy Austin-Gatson. “I am incredibly proud of our investigative team for their diligence in dismantling this operation and removing these individuals from our neighborhoods.”

Between Aug.8, 2024, and Sept. 11, 2025, officers in the Gwinnett metro police drug task force conducted investigations in Lilburn and arrested Corales and Sandoval, who were distributing blue and clear baggies containing Methamphetamine. Corrales was found with 15 blue baggies totaling 20 grams, and Sandoval was found with two scales and four blue baggies totaling 1.76 grams. Investigators later confirmed that both defendants had ties to the Sureño criminal gang organization as either members or associates.

Following the jury’s verdict, Corrales and Sandoval were each sentenced to 40 years, with 20 years to be served in prison.

The successful prosecution of this case was led by Assistant District Attorney Lindsey Share and Managing District Attorney David Ian, whose meticulous presentation of evidence was instrumental in securing the convictions. The District Attorney’s Office also extends gratitude to lead investigator Loomis and victim advocate Mari Munoz, as well as the Lilburn Police Department and the Gwinnett County Police Department.

Photos via Gwinnett County District Attorney’s Office