OXFORD, MS – Linda Hunt, 49, of Crowder, Mississippi, is facing 23 years behind bars after being sentenced Tuesday for her central role in a multi-year methamphetamine trafficking operation. The sentence, handed down by U.S. District Court Judge Sharion Aycock, brings a significant conclusion to a case that has plagued Mississippi communities with poison and fueled addiction.
Court documents reveal Hunt pled guilty to distribution of methamphetamine in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Mississippi. Beyond the 276 months (23 years) imprisonment, Hunt will also serve 5 years of supervised release upon her eventual release. Federal prosecutors secured a final order of forfeiture totaling $20,000.00 from Hunt, stripping her of ill-gotten gains. Hunt is currently in federal custody.
This wasn’t a lone operator. Hunt wasn’t just moving weight; she ran the operation, overseeing a network of other defendants charged with conspiracy to distribute drugs and direct involvement in drug distribution. The investigation, a protracted and complex undertaking, stretched across multiple years, requiring the combined resources of several agencies. U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner didn’t mince words: “Criminal actions have consequences, and the sentences handed down to this trafficking organization demonstrate that the full force of the law will be employed to bring those consequences to drug dealers who introduce poison into our communities.”
The takedown was a collaborative effort, lauded by Mississippi Department of Public Safety Commissioner Sean Tindell: “I am proud to see the success of the partnership between the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, Drug Enforcement Agency, and all other assisting agencies who worked together to ensure these criminals were held accountable for their actions.” DEA New Orleans Division Special Agent in Charge Steven Hofer echoed that sentiment, highlighting the case as an example of the effectiveness of Project Safe Neighborhoods and the OCDETF program. “This individual, who oversaw the illicit activities of others, has been held accountable thanks to a collaborative effort,” Hofer stated.
Hunt isn’t the only one facing a lengthy stay in federal prison. Lucas Smith, who pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and conspiracy to commit money laundering, received 240 months, plus 5 years of supervised release and a $100,000.00 forfeiture order. Preston Cross got 120 months for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, followed by 5 years supervised release. Terence Lomax, also charged with conspiracy, will spend 150 months behind bars with 5 years of supervised release. Domonique Cross, convicted of money laundering conspiracy, received 30 months imprisonment and 3 years supervised release, along with a $30,000.00 forfeiture.
The remaining members of the organization also received significant sentences. James Taylor – 219 months for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine with 5 years supervised release. Genise Cox – 26 months for distribution of methamphetamine and 4 years supervised release. These convictions, fueled by OCDETF and Project Safe Neighborhood initiatives, send a clear message: trafficking in Mississippi will be met with unrelenting federal pressure. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on the ongoing efforts to dismantle drug networks across the nation.
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Key Facts
- State: Mississippi
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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