FRESNO, Calif. — The grim shadow of the law descended upon Wendell Moton, 33, Donnie Hicks, 33, and McCael Marshall, 34, as a federal grand jury returned a five-count indictment against them, charging them with conspiracy to commit firearms trafficking and possession of a firearm by a felon.
The trio had plotted to sell a machine gun to an undercover agent through the digital veil, but their plans were thwarted when investigators intercepted them en route. The perils of their escape didn’t end there; Moton was also discovered with an extra firearm during another police pursuit.
This case is a direct byproduct of “Operation Gridlock,” a relentless investigation by Homeland Security Investigations and multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Fresno Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert L. Veneman-Hughes will be leading the prosecution.
Should they be found guilty, these defendants could face a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine. However, any sentence would be at the discretion of the court, considering various factors and guidelines.
This operation is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which aims to reduce violent crime and gun violence through community partnerships. It’s part of a broader strategy launched by the U.S. Department of Justice on May 26, 2021.
Under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF), these cases are meticulously investigated to dismantle high-level criminal organizations threatening the nation. For more information about OCDETF, visit Justice.gov/OCDETF.
The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, enacted in June 2022 and signed by the President, provides new criminal provisions targeting unlawful firearms trafficking. This case is a testament to the ongoing efforts to combat gun violence.
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Key Facts
- State: California
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime|Weapons|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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