Atlanta Man Convicted of Supplying Spartanburg Drug Dealers

United States Attorney W. Walter Wilkins stated that Latrone Antonio Hicks, age 37, of Atlanta, was convicted in federal court in Spartanburg of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and crack, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 846. United States District Judge Henry Floyd presided over the trial and will sentence Hicks at a later date.

Evidence presented at trial established that Hicks paid couriers to deliver cocaine from Atlanta to drug dealers in Spartanburg, where the drugs were distributed either as powder cocaine or crack cocaine. Hicks was proven to be the major supplier to an upstate distribution network that consisted of approximately 50 individuals, led by Michael Jacobs of Spartanburg. The jury found that Hicks was responsible for supplying 72 kilograms of cocaine and 36 kilograms of crack cocaine to Jacobs and his associates. Other members of the conspiracy, including Jacobs, have previously been prosecuted.

Mr. Wilkins stated the maximum penalty Hicks can receive is a fine of $4,000,000 and imprisonment for life.

The case was investigated by agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Spartanburg Department of Public Safety, and the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorneys Regan A. Pendleton and William Watkins of the Greenville office handled the case.

ILLEGAL ALIEN SENTENCED IN FEDERAL FIREARMS CASE

United States Attorney W. Walter Wilkins stated today that Salvador Garcia-Chavez, age 22, of Mexico, was sentenced to 147 months imprisonment by United States District Judge Henry F. Floyd. He received 87 months for possession of firearms and ammunition as an illegal alien, and 60 months consecutive for possession of firearms in relation to a drug trafficking crime.

Acting on a tip, investigators searched Garcia-Chavez’ residence in Greenville last July. During the search, agents seized ten firearms, assorted ammunition, and approximately one pound of methamphetamine.

The case was investigated by agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office, and the State Law Enforcement Division. Assistant United States Attorney Leesa Washington of the Greenville office prosecuted the case.