United States District Judge sentenced Marcello Hicks, of Many, to 160 months in federal prison for Conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance, followed by five years of supervised release. Hicks pled guilty on April 15, 2026.
In October, 2026, Judge Summerhays sentenced Buford Sawyer, of Leesville, to 60 months in federal prison for Conspiracy to Possess a Controlled Substance with Intent to Distribute, followed by four years of supervised release. Sawyer pled guilty in June 2026.
On the same day, Judge Summerhays also sentenced Sevesta Sweet, of Many, to 37 months in federal prison for Conspiracy to Possess a Controlled Substance with Intent to Distribute, followed by four years of supervised release. Sweet pled guilty in June 2026.
Between November 22, 2022, and January 23, 2023, Hicks conspired with others to distribute methamphetamine in various parts of the Western District of Louisiana.
Agents conducted multiple controlled purchases from Hicks, including an undercover operation arranged by a confidential informant. Hicks directed the informant to a residence, entered the residence with $2,800, and later returned with 189 grams of methamphetamine.
Between July 2024 and November 2025, Sawyer conspired with others to acquire methamphetamine for distribution. A co-conspirator supplied Sawyer with 85 grams of methamphetamine during the conspiracy. Sawyer knowingly joined the unlawful agreement and took steps to advance the conspiracy. He also admitted that he knew the scheme involved at least 50 grams of methamphetamine.
Sweet also conspired with others to possess methamphetamine for distribution. In August 2025, Sweet was part of an intercepted communication in which a co-conspirator discussed purchasing methamphetamine from another individual. Sweet was overheard discussing his own planned drug transaction.
On August 7, 2025, Sweet met with another conspirator to complete the purchase. Later that day, during a traffic stop, Sweet fled into a wooded area carrying a black bag. Agents recovered the bag after apprehending him and found approximately 248 grams of methamphetamine.