Kendall Hicks, a 35-year-old resident of Lake Charles, Louisiana, has been sentenced to a total of 199 months in federal prison for charges related to the distribution of fentanyl. This sentence, handed down by United States District Judge James D. Cain, Jr., includes 175 months for distribution of fentanyl and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, followed by five years of supervised release. Hicks was also sentenced to 24 months for a supervised release violation, with all terms to run consecutively.
The case against Hicks stemmed from a search warrant executed on May 30, 2023, by the Calcasieu Combined Anti-Drug Task Force (C.A.T. Team) at his residence. The search resulted in the discovery of over $10,000 in cash, approximately 495.71 grams of fentanyl, marijuana, and digital scales. Hicks pled guilty to the charges on January 7, 2025.
Acting U.S. Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook expressed gratitude towards the efforts of law enforcement, stating, “The United States Attorney’s Office salutes the hard work and dedication of our law enforcement partners in Calcasieu Parish and their commitment to make our communities safe. Simply put, fentanyl kills and its illegal distribution must come to an end.” He added, “This is a significant sentence and it sends a clear message that this conduct will not be tolerated.”
The investigation was carried out by the United States Department of Homeland Security Investigations and the Calcasieu Combined Anti-Drug Task Force (C.A.T. Team), with prosecution led by Assistant United States Attorney Jamilla A. Bynog. The C.A.T. Task Force is a collaborative effort involving multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office, Lake Charles Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, among others.