Skip to content 
Walter Joey Drew owned Legacy Performance Center, a gym and tanning salon located in Lyons, Georgia. This establishment prominently served the fitness and tanning needs of the Toombs County area, attracting a broad clientele with its workout facilities and tanning services. However, the gym did not close due to ordinary business challenges or market conditions. Instead, the criminal activities of its owner, Drew, precipitated its closure.
The Gym Closed
The Legacy Performance Center ceased operations following Drew’s arrest and subsequent indictment on federal charges of child exploitation. The allegations that Drew used the gym as a venue for some of his criminal activities were a major factor leading to its closure. According to the indictment, Drew utilized areas within the gym to secretly produce sexually explicit images of minors over a period extending from February 2021 to June 2023. The indictment detailed how Drew manipulated his position as the gym owner to exploit minors, taking advantage of the privacy afforded by the facility to commit these heinous acts. The revelation of these actions understandably led to a severe public backlash and eroded any trust the community had in the business.
The Gym Closure was Inevitable
The gravity of the charges against Drew made the gym’s closure inevitable. As soon as the investigation became public and the indictment was unsealed, it became clear that the gym could no longer operate as a business. Patrons, especially those with families, found it impossible to separate the gym from the crimes committed by its owner. Moreover, the closure served as a safety measure, preventing any further crimes on the premises and allowing investigators to gather evidence without obstruction.
The Fallout from The Gym Closing
The fallout from the gym’s closure was significant. Beyond the immediate community impact, employees of Legacy Performance Center faced sudden unemployment. Additionally, the local fitness community lost a facility, and the broader community was left to grapple with the betrayal and shock of the crimes committed by a local business owner. Consequently, the closure of Legacy Performance Center serves as a somber reminder of the devastating effects criminal behavior can have on a community, extending far beyond the immediate legal consequences faced by the perpetrator.
The Investigation
The federal investigation into Walter Joey Drew, the former owner of Legacy Performance Center in Lyons, Georgia, began to unfold as allegations of child exploitation emerged.
The investigation, led by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), revealed that Drew had exploited his position as the gym owner to engage in illicit activities. From February 2021 to June 2023, Drew used the gym’s facilities to produce or attempt to produce sexually explicit images of at least eight minors. These activities reportedly took place both at the gym and at his residence, where he possessed these illicit images. The investigation also uncovered Drew’s attempts to entice at least one minor into engaging in sexual activity for the purpose of creating child pornography.
The Indictment Given to Him
The indictment detailed the meticulous process by which federal agents built their case against Drew. Specifically, it involved gathering substantial evidence, including visual depictions of the minors, testimonies from victims, and digital forensic analysis. Furthermore, the scope of the investigation extended beyond Toombs County, as Drew faced related state charges for separate conduct at a previous residence in White County. This highlighted a pattern of predatory behavior across multiple jurisdictions.
HSI played a crucial role in the investigation, actively seeking information from the public to identify additional victims or gather further evidence. The agency established a tip line, encouraging individuals with relevant information to come forward. This proactive approach underscored the commitment of federal authorities to ensure a comprehensive investigation and bring all aspects of Drew’s criminal activities to light.
Teamwork Between Federal and State Agencies
Local law enforcement in Toombs County worked in concert with federal authorities to build a robust case against Drew. This collaboration was essential in gathering evidence that could support both state and federal prosecutions. The state charges were bolstered by testimonies from victims and witnesses, digital forensic evidence, and physical evidence collected from the gym premises. The local community, shocked by the revelations, has been supportive of the investigation, providing crucial information that has aided law enforcement efforts.
The collaboration between federal and state law enforcement agencies was pivotal in this case. It showcased the importance of a coordinated response to child exploitation crimes, leveraging resources and expertise across different levels of law enforcement. The investigation not only aimed to hold Drew accountable but also to provide justice and support for the victims involved.
What He Was Charged with Federally
The unsealed federal indictment lists multiple charges against Drew, including six counts of Production of Child Pornography, three counts of Attempted Production of Child Pornography, six counts of Possession of Child Pornography, and one count each of Receipt of Child Pornography and Attempted Coercion and Enticement of a Minor to Engage in Sexual Activity. Consequently, if convicted, these charges carry severe penalties, including substantial prison time, financial penalties, and a lifetime requirement to register as a sex offender.
The State Charges That He Is Faced With
In addition to the federal charges, Walter Joey Drew faces a series of related state charges in Toombs County, Georgia. These charges stem from his alleged criminal activities at the Legacy Performance Center, a fitness and tanning facility that he owned and operated. The state charges amplify the gravity of Drew’s actions and highlight the comprehensive nature of the legal response to his alleged crimes.
One of the critical aspects of the state charges is their focus on the community impact of Drew’s actions. The charges not only address the direct harm caused to individual victims but also consider the broader violation of community trust and safety. The indictment in Toombs County reflects a commitment to ensuring that justice is served at every level and that the legal response is as comprehensive as possible.
The Charges Are Similar to The Federal One
The state charges in Toombs County align closely with the federal allegations, underscoring a pattern of exploitative behavior that Drew engaged in over a significant period. He is accused of using hidden cameras and other clandestine methods to record minors without their knowledge, particularly in the tanning and locker areas of his gym. These recordings allegedly captured explicit and inappropriate images of minors, which Drew then possessed and distributed. The state’s case against Drew also includes charges of sexual exploitation and abuse, reflecting the serious nature of the crimes and the violation of trust involved.
The Potential Sentences for The Charges
Walter Joey Drew faces a formidable array of charges, both federal and state, each carrying severe potential penalties that reflect the gravity of his alleged offenses. The federal charges alone are significant, involving multiple counts of production, attempted production, possession, and receipt of child pornography, as well as attempted coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity. Each of these charges carries its own set of sentencing guidelines, which cumulatively could result in an extensive prison sentence.
Federal Charges Consequences
For the federal charges, the production or attempted production of child pornography is one of the most severe. Each count carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and up to 30 years in federal prison. Given that Drew faces six counts of production and three counts of attempted production, he could potentially be sentenced to several decades in prison if convicted on all counts.
The possession and receipt of child pornography charges further compound his potential sentencing, with each count carrying up to 20 years of imprisonment. Additionally, the charge of attempted coercion and enticement of a minor carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and can extend to life imprisonment. The federal system’s lack of parole means that any sentence given would require Drew to serve nearly the full term.
State Level Consequences
On the state level, Drew faces charges related to the illegal recording of minors and other sexual exploitation offenses. State laws typically impose strict penalties for such crimes, often involving long prison sentences. In Georgia, sexual exploitation of minors can lead to sentences of 5 to 20 years per offense. When considering the number of charges and the potential for consecutive sentencing, Drew’s state charges alone could add many more years to his incarceration.
Register As a Sex Offender And Potential Restitution
Moreover, the financial implications significantly impact Drew. Convictions on these charges will likely involve substantial fines and restitution to the victims. This financial burden not only penalizes the perpetrator but also provides some measure of compensation to those harmed by the crimes. Additionally, Drew must register as a sex offender, subjecting him to lifelong monitoring and restrictions even after serving his prison sentence.
Furthermore, Drew would face lifetime supervised release, during which he would have to adhere to strict conditions, including restrictions on internet use, travel, and proximity to minors. Any violation of these terms could result in additional imprisonment. This aspect of the sentencing serves to protect the community by closely monitoring Drew’s activities post-release and ensuring compliance with legal and social standards.
Need Help? Call Us Now!
Do not forget that when you or anyone you know is facing a criminal charge, you have us, the Law Office of Bryan Fagan, by your side to help you build the best defense case for you. We will work and be in your best interest for you and we will obtain the best possible outcome that can benefit you.
Our team is here to explain your trial, guiding you through the criminal justice process with clarity and support every step of the way. If you’re navigating the complexities of criminal charges and the court system seems daunting, reach out.
Therefore, do not hesitate to call us if you find yourself or someone you know that is facing criminal charges unsure about the court system. We will work with you to give you the best type of defense that can help you solve your case. It is vital to have someone explain the result of the charge to you and guide you in the best possible way.
Here at the Law Office of Bryan Fagan, our professional and knowledgeable criminal law attorneys build a defense case that suits your needs, aiming for the best possible outcome to benefit you.
Also, here at the Law Office of Bryan Fagan, you are given a free consultation at your convenience. You may choose to have your appointment via Zoom, google meet, email, or an in-person appointment; and we will provide you with as much advice and information as possible so you can have the best possible result in your case.
Call us now at (281) 810-9760.
Other Related Articles
- Exploring the Indictment Process
- Demystifying Indictment Requisites
- Famous Daniel Muir: Allegations Focus On Child Abuse
- Child Abuse in Texas: What Is the Process Like in a Child Protective Services Case?
- The Spotlight Is On Alec Baldwin: Looking Into His Indictment
- The Right to Draw Blood and the Legality of It
- Legal Implications of Unreported Inmate Deaths
FAQ on Walter Joey Drew’s Charges
Walter Joey Drew faces multiple federal charges including six counts of Production of Child Pornography, three counts of Attempted Production of Child Pornography, six counts of Possession of Child Pornography, one count of Receipt of Child Pornography, and one count of Attempted Coercion and Enticement of a Minor to Engage in Sexual Activity.
Legacy Performance Center closed down following Drew’s arrest and indictment. The gym was used as a site for his criminal activities, where he secretly recorded minors, leading to a loss of trust and the inevitable shutdown of the business.
If convicted on federal charges, Drew could face mandatory minimum sentences of 10 to 15 years per count, potentially leading to several decades in prison. Additionally, he would face significant fines, restitution, and lifetime supervised release with mandatory registration as a sex offender.
The state charges in Toombs County include illegal recording of minors and sexual exploitation offenses. These charges are aligned with the federal charges and reflect a pattern of criminal behavior that Drew allegedly engaged in over a prolonged period.
Investigators from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) are seeking information from anyone who might be a victim or have relevant information. Individuals can contact the HSI Tip Line at 866-347-2423.
