In a significant crackdown on drug trafficking, the head of a notorious drug trafficking organization has been sentenced to 17 years in prison. Laricco Eugene Sherrill, Sr., the leader of the organization responsible for the distribution of large quantities of methamphetamine and other illicit drugs in the Charlotte area, will also face five years of supervised release upon his release from prison. This sentencing comes after the successful prosecution and sentencing of six other members of the drug trafficking organization. The investigation revealed that the DTO used multiple residences known as “trap houses” to sell drugs, with young children present during drug transactions. Law enforcement seized a substantial amount of narcotics, drug paraphernalia, firearms, and over $63,650 in drug proceeds during the operation. U.S. Attorney Dena J. King praised the joint efforts of law enforcement partners in dismantling this dangerous organization that threatened communities’ safety and stability.
Head of Drug Trafficking Organization Sentenced to Prison
The US Attorney’s Office in the Western District of North Carolina has announced the sentencing of the head of a drug trafficking organization (DTO) responsible for distributing multiple kilograms of methamphetamine and other illicit drugs in the Charlotte area. Laricco Eugene Sherrill, Sr., 45, of Charlotte, has been sentenced to 17 years in prison and will be subject to five years of supervised release upon his release. This article will provide background information on the DTO, detail the sentences of the co-conspirators, give an overview of the investigation, provide details of the drug operation, discuss the previous criminal history of the head of the DTO, provide quotes from U.S. Attorney and law enforcement officials, discuss law enforcement efforts to combat drug trafficking, and include credits and contact information.
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Background Information on Drug Trafficking Organization
Court documents and proceedings reveal that Laricco Eugene Sherrill, Sr. led a DTO that distributed large quantities of narcotics in Mecklenburg County and surrounding areas. The DTO made use of several residences in Charlotte, known as “trap houses,” as bases of operation for selling drugs. Notably, young children were frequently present in these trap houses during drug transactions. Law enforcement agencies executed multiple search warrants and seized fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine, cocaine base, marijuana, drug paraphernalia, digital scales, firearms and ammunition, and over $63,650 in drug proceeds throughout the course of the investigation.
Sentences for Co-Conspirators
In addition to Laricco Eugene Sherrill, Sr., six other members of the DTO have been sentenced. Jakieran Harris, Laricco Eugene Sherrill, Jr., Marquez Maxwell, Quentin Nathaniel Stowe, Brian Clinton, and Sadarian Armstrong have all received prison sentences ranging from 24 months to 108 months. These co-conspirators played various roles within the DTO and were involved in the distribution of narcotics.
Overview of the Investigation
The investigation into the DTO began in January 2020 and lasted until August 17, 2021. Law enforcement agencies, including the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD), were involved in the investigation. The focus of the investigation was to identify and dismantle the drug trafficking network, disrupt the distribution of narcotics, and apprehend those responsible for the illegal activities.
Details of the Drug Operation
As the head of the DTO, Laricco Eugene Sherrill, Sr. purchased substantial quantities of methamphetamine and other narcotics from multiple supply sources. He stored the drugs in several residences, or stash houses, in the area. To distribute the drugs, Sherrill, Sr. utilized a network of local distributors, including the six co-conspirators mentioned earlier. Throughout the investigation, law enforcement arranged controlled drug buys with Sherrill, Sr. and his associates, leading to their eventual arrests.
Previous Criminal History of the Head of the DTO
Prior to this investigation and case, Laricco Eugene Sherrill, Sr. had already served a federal prison sentence for drug trafficking while armed in the Western District of North Carolina. This previous criminal history suggests a pattern of illegal activity involving narcotics. Sherrill, Sr.’s involvement as the head of the DTO highlights his continued engagement in drug trafficking operations despite previous incarceration.
Quotes from U.S. Attorney and Law Enforcement Officials
In response to the sentencing of Laricco Eugene Sherrill, Sr., U.S. Attorney Dena J. King stated, “As head honcho of a drug trafficking organization, Sherrill, Sr. sold drugs, unfazed by the havoc he was wreaking in the lives of those who bought his poison.” This quote emphasizes the destructive nature of drug trafficking and the impact it has on individuals and communities. Acting Special Agent in Charge Alicia Jones of the ATF added, “Disrupting violent drug trafficking organizations has an enormous impact on the safety of our cities. In the process of breaking up these drug trafficking networks, we’re recovering firearms, bringing dangerous individuals to justice, and making our neighborhoods safer.”
Law Enforcement Efforts to Combat Drug Trafficking
The successful investigation and sentencing of the head of the DTO demonstrate the commitment and effectiveness of law enforcement agencies in combatting drug trafficking. In this case, the ATF and CMPD worked together as part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) program. OCDETF uses a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach to identify, disrupt, and dismantle criminal organizations involved in drug trafficking.
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Credits and Acknowledgments
The efforts of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Western District of North Carolina, the ATF, and the CMPD are acknowledged in the successful prosecution and sentencing of the head of the drug trafficking organization. These agencies played crucial roles in investigating the DTO, gathering evidence, and ensuring justice was served.
Contact Information
For more information about this case or other inquiries, please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Western District of North Carolina.
- Western District of North Carolina Main Office: 227 West Trade St. Suite 1650 Charlotte, NC 28202
- Email: [USAO-WDNC]
- Phone: (704) 344-6222 (Charlotte) / (828) 271-4661 (Asheville)
Overall, the sentencing of the head of the drug trafficking organization and the subsequent sentences of the co-conspirators demonstrate the commitment of law enforcement agencies in keeping communities safe and dismantling criminal networks involved in drug trafficking. The successful conclusion of this investigation sends a strong message that drug trafficking will not be tolerated, and those involved will face significant penalties for their actions.
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Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdnc/pr/head-drug-trafficking-organization-sentenced-prison