A Little Rock man, Marquis Hunt, has been sentenced to 30 years in federal prison after being convicted of multiple drug offenses. Jonathan D. Ross, the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, announced the sentencing by United States District Judge James M. Moody Jr.
Hunt, aged 42, was indicted on August 6, 2024, following an investigation that began on July 8, 2022. On that date, a special agent from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) contacted Hunt at a residence in southwest Little Rock. During a search executed with a warrant, agents discovered over 1.5 pounds of methamphetamine and more than 16 pounds of fentanyl in addition to distributable amounts of cocaine and marijuana.
Further investigations revealed that the fentanyl was distributed or sprayed on shredded vegetable material mixed with tramadol to resemble synthetic marijuana or "K2." During his trial, Hunt admitted to selling drugs but denied involvement with those found at the residence.
After a three-day jury trial, Hunt was found guilty by a federal grand jury on four counts: possession with intent to distribute over 400 grams of fentanyl; possession with intent to distribute over 500 grams of methamphetamine; possession with intent to distribute cocaine; and possession with intent to distribute marijuana.
Judge Moody also imposed five years of supervised release and $400 in special assessments as part of Hunt's sentence. It is noted that there is no parole available in the federal system.
This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation aimed at dismantling high-level criminal organizations through a coordinated approach involving multiple agencies. More information about OCDETF can be accessed at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
The FBI led the investigation with support from the Arkansas State Police and Arkansas State Crime Laboratory. The prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorneys Amanda Fields and Reese Lancaster.