Birmingham Man Convicted on Fentanyl Charge

ANNISTON, Ala. – Today, A jury convicted a Birmingham man of a fentanyl-related drug crime, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent in Charge Steven L. Hofer.

The jury returned a guilty verdict against Demarcus Hill, age, of 42, after one day of testimony before U.S. District Court Judge Corey Maze. Hill was convicted of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute fentanyl.

“Removing fentanyl pills from our communities is not just a priority; it’s a duty to protect lives,” said U.S. Attorney Escalona.  “Partnerships with our federal, state, and local law enforcement are an integral part of our efforts to remove dangerous drugs from the streets and keep our communities safe.”

“Evidence presented at trial showed the defendant traveled across state lines to obtain a dangerous amount of fentanyl pills with the intent of distributing them in Alabama. This reckless disregard for public safety put countless lives at risk,” said Special Agent in Charge Steven L. Hofer. “This sentencing sends a clear message that the DEA will continue to disrupt drug trafficking organizations, seize deadly drugs, and hold those responsible accountable.”

According to evidence presented at trial, Hill and his co-defendant, JT Toombs, drove from Birmingham to Atlanta, Georgia, where they picked up over 2000 fentanyl pills to bring back to Birmingham.  An Oxford Police Department officer conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle on Interstate 20.  His canine detected the odor of narcotics, and after searching the vehicle, the officer found the fentanyl pills.   

The maximum penalty for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute fentanyl is 40 years in prison. 

The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated the case along with the Oxford Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Blake Milner and Brittany Byrd are prosecuting the case.