TAMPA, FL – Zecki Halum, a 40-year-old Tampa resident, finally admitted guilt this week to a conspiracy that stretched back over a decade: possessing with intent to distribute more than 100 kilograms of marijuana. The bust, initially occurring in 2009, saw Halum vanish before sentencing, only to be apprehended just last month after nearly fifteen years dodging the law.
According to court documents unsealed today, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) received a tip in August 2009 about a recreational vehicle (RV) hauling approximately 200 pounds of marijuana from Arizona destined for the Middle District of Florida. Agents tracked the RV as Dale Wetherholt drove it toward Tampa. Upon arrival, Wetherholt was met by a vehicle carrying Halum as a passenger, along with another co-conspirator. The trio converged on a convenience store and then a church parking lot in Crystal Springs, intending to unload the massive marijuana shipment.
The DEA moved in, arresting Halum and his accomplices. A search of the RV revealed over 100 kilograms of marijuana, meticulously packaged in bales and wrapped in a manner consistent with large-scale drug trafficking operations. Halum was initially indicted on September 23, 2009, but swiftly violated his pretrial release conditions in February 2010, going into hiding and triggering a federal warrant for his arrest. He remained a fugitive for 14 years, 1 month and 25 days.
The long arm of the law finally caught up with Halum on March 29, 2024. His co-conspirator, Dale Wetherholt, wasn’t so lucky in avoiding justice. Wetherholt pleaded guilty to the same offense on November 12, 2009, and received a 30-month federal prison sentence on April 30, 2010. Now, Halum faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 5 years, and potentially up to 40 years, behind bars. A sentencing date has not yet been scheduled.
United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg’s office is prosecuting the case, with Assistant United States Attorneys Jeff Chang and Kelley Howard Allen leading the charge. The DEA spearheaded the investigation, demonstrating a relentless pursuit even after years of Halum’s evasion. This case serves as a stark reminder that federal law enforcement doesn’t forget, and fugitives will eventually be held accountable, no matter how long they run.
Grimy Times will continue to follow this case as it moves towards sentencing. The DEA has not released further details regarding Halum’s time as a fugitive, but sources suggest the investigation into his activities during those years remains open.
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Key Facts
- State: Florida
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: Official Source ↗
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