Rico Green Sentenced

Rico Green, 48, of Waxhaw, N.C. has been sentenced to more than 13 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to a drug trafficking offense. The sentence was handed down by United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis, who ordered Green to serve 160 months imprisonment, to be followed by a six-year term of court-ordered supervision.

The evidence presented to the court showed that on Jan. 5, 2022, Green sold fentanyl to members of the Lancaster County Drug Task Force during an undercover operation. This undercover buy was part of a larger investigation which revealed Green’s drug trafficking activity in Lancaster County, S.C. and Union County, N.C.

In March 2022, Green was found with a large quantity of fentanyl after he attempted to run from Lancaster County deputies during a traffic stop. The court also heard evidence that months after his March 2022 arrest and subsequent bond, Green attempted to sell a firearm to another undercover officer during a drug deal in Waxhaw, N.C.

Green pleaded guilty to drug trafficking on March 27, 2024. His prior convictions include two for distribution of cocaine, two for distribution of crack cocaine, and two for trafficking cocaine. These convictions likely played a role in the severity of his sentence, as the court took into account his extensive history of drug-related offenses.

The investigation into Green’s activities was a collaborative effort between the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office, the Lancaster Police Department, and the Union County, N.C. Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lamar J. Fyall prosecuted the case, working to bring Green to justice for his crimes.

The sentence of 160 months imprisonment is a significant one, and it reflects the seriousness with which the court views Green’s offenses. With no parole in the federal system, Green will serve his full sentence before being released and beginning his six-year term of court-ordered supervision. This case serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to combat drug trafficking and the severe consequences that those who engage in such activities can face.

The community can take comfort in knowing that individuals like Rico Green, who engage in drug trafficking and other serious offenses, are being held accountable for their actions. The work of law enforcement agencies and prosecutors is crucial in keeping communities safe and preventing the spread of dangerous drugs like fentanyl. As the war on drugs continues, cases like this one serve as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and cooperation between law enforcement agencies.

RELATED: Fredericksburg Man Admits to PPP Loan Scam

RELATED: Repeat Offender Douglas Gets 20 Years for Bank Heists