Hammond man sentenced to more than twelve years in federal prison after admitting to selling heroin and cocaine
Hammond, Indiana – A Hammond man will spend more than a decade behind bars after admitting to distributing illegal narcotics, federal authorities announced.
Jeremiah Hicks, 38, of Hammond, Indiana, received a sentence of 151 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to charges tied to the distribution of heroin and cocaine.
The sentence was handed down by United States District Court Judge Gretchen S. Lund, according to an announcement from United States Attorney Adam L. Mildred. In addition to the prison term, Hicks will face three years of supervised release once he completes his sentence.
Court records show that Hicks sold heroin and cocaine to another individual on two separate occasions in August 2023. Investigators later executed a search warrant at his residence, where they recovered a semi-automatic pistol along with U.S. currency.
The case also revealed a lengthy criminal history. Hicks had previously been convicted of several felony offenses, including a 2012 conviction for possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance and a 2018 conviction for dealing in a narcotic drug.
Federal officials emphasized the seriousness of repeat drug offenses and the danger such activity poses to communities. United States Attorney Mildred said the sentence reflects the consequences of continuing to traffic dangerous substances.
“The Defendant has forfeited over 12 years of his life because he chose to peddle this poison in our communities. We appreciate the hard work of the professionals at the BATFE and the Hammond Police Department that went into the investigation, arrest, and prosecution of this repeat offender. The Northern District of Indiana is safer due to their efforts,” said Mildred.
The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, with support from the Hammond Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Caitlin M. Padula handled the prosecution of the case.
