A Cedar Rapids man has been sentenced to five years in federal prison for distributing fentanyl. Deon Hicks, Jr., 31, was sentenced on January 24, 2025, following his guilty plea on August 21, 2024, to one count of distribution of a controlled substance.
During sentencing, it was revealed that Hicks sold over 1,100 fentanyl pills during four separate undercover operations conducted by law enforcement between December 2023 and January 2024.
United States District Court Judge C.J. William handed down the sentence in Cedar Rapids. Hicks will serve a 60-month prison term followed by a five-year supervised release period. Federal sentences do not allow for parole. Until he is transferred to a federal facility, Hicks remains in the custody of the United States Marshal.
The prosecution was led by Special Assistant United States Attorney Michael S.A. Hudson. The investigation involved the Johnson County Drug Task Force and the Cedar Rapids Police Department. The task force includes several local law enforcement agencies such as the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office and the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement.