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Quad Cities Methamphetamine Ring Busted
A major blow was dealt to the methamphetamine trade in the Quad Cities region of Illinois and Iowa with the sentencing of a leading distributor. Christopher Ray Hicks, a 39-year-old East Moline, Illinois man, was found guilty of conspiring to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.
The investigation into Hicks’ activities began in October 2019, when he was identified as a key player in the local methamphetamine trade. Law enforcement executed a series of controlled purchases, ultimately leading to the execution of a search warrant at Hicks’ residence. During the search, officers found a plethora of illicit substances, including methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin, and marijuana, as well as evidence of drug trafficking.
Hicks was subsequently located in Davenport, Iowa, where he was arrested on an active warrant. A search of his vehicle revealed a large, plastic-wrapped candle stuffed with a pound of methamphetamine. Hicks later made a post-Miranda statement, admitting to conspiring with Luis Hernandez-Barajas and others to distribute the illicit substance.
On October 31, 2020, Hicks pleaded guilty to the offense, paving the way for his sentencing. On Wednesday, October 13, 2021, United States District Court Chief Judge John A. Jarvey handed down a 180-month prison sentence. Hicks was also ordered to serve five years of supervised release to follow his prison term and pay $100 to the Crime Victims’ Fund.
The investigation was led by the Quad City Metropolitan Enforcement Group, with assistance from other local law enforcement agencies. Acting United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal announced the sentencing, highlighting the importance of the case in disrupting the local methamphetamine trade.
The sentencing of Christopher Ray Hicks marks a significant victory in the ongoing effort to combat methamphetamine trafficking in the Quad Cities region. As law enforcement continues to crack down on illicit activity, communities can rest a little easier knowing that those responsible are being held accountable.
Key Facts
- State: Iowa
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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