U.S. Attorney Brandon J. Fremin announced the convictions of five individuals charged in Operation Hidden Fee, a federal, state, and local investigation into a large drug trafficking network based in Baton Rouge. The indictment filed in this matter charged significant drug trafficking offenses involving heroin, methamphetamine, and crack cocaine, as well as several firearm offenses.
The leader of the network, 40-year-old JAMES C. HULL a.k.a. “Fat Boy,” of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute heroin, methamphetamine, and cocaine base, distribution of methamphetamine and heroin, and four counts of unlawful use of communication facilities. As part of his plea, Hull admitted to being the head of a narcotics distribution ring involving 21 subordinate drug dealers who operated throughout the Baton Rouge area.
Hull and the members of his organization acquired and distributed large quantities of methamphetamine, heroin, and crack cocaine throughout Baton Rouge. According to documents filed in connection with the guilty pleas, Hull was the organizer and leader of a drug trafficking organization responsible for the distribution of heroin, methamphetamine, and cocaine base in and around the Baton Rouge area.
On August 15, 2018, each of the following defendants appeared before U.S. District Judge Brian A. Jackson and pleaded guilty for their roles in the drug trafficking network:
William W. Lipscomb, 52, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin, methamphetamine, and cocaine base. Lipscomb admitted to using his home as a place for Hull to store and distribute narcotics and to selling narcotics on behalf of Hull. Lipscomb faces a mandatory minimum of five years in federal prison.
Heather R. Webber, 35, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin, methamphetamine, and cocaine base. Webber admitted to obtaining and distributing methamphetamine on behalf of Hull during the conspiracy. Webber faces a mandatory minimum of five years in federal prison.
Brandon S. Kinamore, 41, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin, methamphetamine, and cocaine base and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Kinamore admitted to obtaining and distributing methamphetamine on behalf of Hull during the conspiracy. Kinamore, a multi-time felon, also admitted to possessing a firearm. Due to his extensive criminal history, Kinamore is classified as an Armed Career Criminal. Kinamore faces a mandatory minimum of ten years for the drug conspiracy charge and faces an additional mandatory minimum penalty of fifteen years in prison for the firearm charge.
Stacy Taylor, 40, of Walker, Louisiana, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin, methamphetamine, and cocaine base. Taylor admitted to obtaining and distributing methamphetamine on behalf of Hull during the conspiracy. Taylor faces a mandatory minimum of five years in federal prison.
According to U.S. Attorney Fremin, “Today’s convictions are another step towards our goal of removing lethal drugs and those who traffic in them from our streets. We will continue to work tirelessly to disrupt and dismantle these networks and bring perpetrators to justice.”
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Key Facts
- State: Louisiana
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime|White Collar Crime|Organized Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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