A Springfield man has been found guilty of drug trafficking charges following a trial in federal court. Marcus Hicks, 43, was convicted on one count each of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, possession of crack cocaine, and possession with intent to distribute marijuana. The verdict was delivered after a three-day trial in Springfield.
U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni has scheduled sentencing for January 27, 2026. Hicks had been indicted by a federal grand jury in September 2023.
According to court records, on November 21, 2022, Hicks possessed 97 grams of cocaine, 15 grams of crack cocaine, and two and one-half pounds of marijuana that were intended for distribution.
The potential penalties for the convictions are significant. Each charge related to possession with intent to distribute cocaine or crack cocaine carries a possible sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a fine as high as $1 million. The marijuana charge provides for up to five years in prison under similar conditions. Sentences will be determined by the federal district court judge based on U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and relevant statutes.
“United States Attorney Leah B. Foley, Jarod A. Forget, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration in New England, Holyoke Police Chief Brian Keenan and Superintendent Lawrence Akers of the Springfield Police Department made the announcement today.” Assistant U.S. Attorney Todd E. Newhouse is handling prosecution from the Springfield Branch Office.
