A major drug trafficking conspiracy in the Eastern District of Texas has led to the indictment of five Shelby County residents, including Lakeva Shillette Hill, also known as Sugar Momma. The 35-year-old Hill, along with Lester Earl Pitts, 48, Vincent Jermaine Lathan, 36, Cornelius Vansharles Gray, 36, and Anthony Gene Chumbley, 46, were arrested in connection with the conspiracy.
The indictment, returned by a federal grand jury on April 17, 2013, charges the defendants with various federal gun and drug crimes. The charges include conspiracy to distribute marijuana and crack cocaine in East Texas, as well as conspiracy to possess a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Hill, Pitts, and Gray are also charged with possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime.
Pitts faces additional charges, including three counts of providing a firearm to a drug trafficker and three counts of providing a firearm to a convicted felon. Hill and Chumbley are charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm. The defendants were arrested on April 18, 2013, and made their initial appearances before U.S. Magistrate Judge Keith Giblin on April 22, 2013.
The investigation into the drug trafficking conspiracy was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Texas Department of Public Safety, and the Center Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John B. Ross. If convicted of the drug conspiracy charge, the defendants each face up to life in federal prison.
The firearms conspiracy charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison, while the firearms possession charges carry a penalty of a minimum of five years in prison. Providing a firearm to a drug dealer or a convicted felon carries a penalty of up to 10 years for each charge. Being a felon in possession of a firearm carries a minimum penalty of 15 years in federal prison.
A grand jury indictment is not evidence of guilt, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The case will continue to unfold as the defendants prepare for trial. The U.S. Attorney’s Office and the investigating agencies will work to ensure that justice is served in this case.
The drug trafficking conspiracy charge is a serious offense, and the penalties reflect the severity of the crime. The use of firearms in connection with drug trafficking adds an additional layer of danger and complexity to the case. As the case moves forward, the court will consider the evidence and arguments presented by both the prosecution and the defense.
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Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: Official Source ↗
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