Lake Charles, La. – Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced today that Kendall Hicks, 35, of Lake Charles, Louisiana, has been sentenced by United States District Judge James D. Cain, Jr., to 175 months on distribution of fentanyl and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl followed by five years of supervised release. He was also sentenced to 24 months on a supervised release violation to run consecutively for a total of 199 months or approximately 16 years in prison.
On May 30, 2023, members of the Calcasieu Combined Anti-Drug Task Force (C.A.T. Team) executed a search warrant for Hicks' residence. During the search, officers located over $10,000 in U.S. currency, approximately 495.71 grams of fentanyl, marijuana, and digital scales. Hicks pled guilty on January 7, 2025.
“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.” said Acting U.S. Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook. “This is a significant sentence and it sends a clear message that that this conduct will not be tolerated.”
This case was investigated by United States Department of Homeland Security Investigations and the Calcasieu Combined Anti-Drug Task Force (C.A.T. Team) and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jamilla A. Bynog.
The Combined Anti-Drug Team (C.A.T.) Narcotics Task Force is a joint effort between the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office, Lake Charles Police Department, Westlake Police Department, DeQuincy Police Department, Vinton Police Department, Iowa Police Department, the United States Marshal’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.