Lavel L. Hicks, Drug Trafficking, West Virginia 2023

Lavel L. Hicks, 44, was sentenced to 37 months in prison for his role in a string of drug-related crimes in West Virginia, announced United States Attorney Bill Powell.

Hicks, a resident of Weirton, West Virginia, pleaded guilty to two counts of ‘Distribution of Cocaine Base,’ four counts of ‘Distribution of Cocaine Hydrochloride,’ and one count of ‘Unlawful Possession of a Firearm’ in May 2019. The charges stem from Hicks’ distribution of cocaine in November and December 2017, and December 2018, in Brook and Hancock Counties.

‘Distribution of Cocaine Base’ and ‘Distribution of Cocaine Hydrochloride’ are serious offenses that have devastating consequences for our communities,’ said Powell. ‘The sentence handed down today reflects the severity of Hicks’ crimes.’

Hicks’ sentence was handed down in the United States District Court in Wheeling, West Virginia. U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided over the case.

Hicks’ history of crime also played a significant role in his sentencing. He had previously been convicted of second-degree murder in Brooke County Circuit Court.

During the investigation, authorities seized a 9mm pistol that Hicks was found to be in possession of, further exacerbating his charges.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Danae DeMasi-Lemon on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, as well as the Hancock-Brooke-Weirton Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated the case.

MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS

Drug Trafficking

Phillip Stewart, Ecstasy Trafficking, Connecticut 2016

Mar 30, 2017

Drug Trafficking

Patrick J. Buswell, Armed Methamphetamine Trafficking, Wisconsin 2025

Apr 6, 2026

Drug Trafficking

Ricardo Mercado-Lozano, Cocaine Trafficking, Michigan 2021

Jul 14, 2021

Drug Trafficking

Caleb Mills, Controlled Substance and Firearm Violations, South Dakota 2013

Jun 22, 2015