Fentanyl distributors sentenced to federal prison

Geno Demons, Jr., and Raymond Dexter Hicks, have been sentenced for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute more than 400 grams of fentanyl.

“Demons and Hicks were involved in the distribution of large quantities of fentanyl, a drug that is steadily funneling poison into our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan.  “These sentences reflect the societal danger posed by this illicit drug and the seriousness with which the courts treat those who traffic it.”

“These two defendants directly contributed to the nation’s ongoing opioid epidemic by pushing the dangerous drug fentanyl,” said Robert J. Murphy, the Special Agent in Charge of the Atlanta Field Division. “They’ve now been brought to justice and will face significant time behind bars.”

According to U.S. Attorney Buchanan, the charges and other information presented in court: In January 2021, the DEA, using an undercover agent, met with Demons and Hicks, who were attempting to sell two kilograms of fentanyl.  Special agents arrested the men following the meeting.  The investigators recovered loaded pistols from both men during their arrests, as well as two kilograms of fentanyl in Hicks’ car. The investigation revealed that Demons was working for a Mexico-based source of supply and distributing kilogram quantities of fentanyl with Hicks. Both men admitted to conducting multiple additional drug transactions as part of the charged conspiracy.

Geno Demons, Jr., 38, of Stockbridge, Georgia, was sentenced on March 9, 2023, by U.S. District Judge Mark H. Cohen, to 12 years, seven months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release. Demons pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 846, on November 14, 2022.

Raymond Dexter Hicks, 59, of Stockbridge, Georgia, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Thomas W. Thrash, Jr., on January 17, 2023, to six years, six months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release.  Hicks also pleaded guilty to the offense of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 846, on July 23, 2021.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Cal Leipold prosecuted the case.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Atlanta recommends parents and children learn about the dangers of drugs at the following web site: www.justthinktwice.gov.