FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT
AUSA VICKIE E. LEDUC or
MARCIA MURPHY at 410-209-4885
July 18, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DRUG TRAFFICKER EXILED TO LIFE IN FEDERAL PRISON
Baltimore, Maryland - U.S. District Judge William D. Quarles, Jr. sentenced Kevin Anthony Hickman, age 48, of Baltimore, today to life in prison for conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute at least one kilogram of heroin, announced United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein. Hickman was convicted by a federal jury on April 30, 2008. In imposing the life sentence, Judge Quarles found that Hickman was a career criminal, based on two previous convictions for distribution of heroin and attempted distribution of narcotics.
According to the evidence presented at his three day trial, Hickman conspired with James Jones, Tony Caldwell and others to distribute at least one kilogram of heroin from February to June 2007. Agents testified that in April and May, 2007 they overheard Hickman on his cell phone arranging to obtain 30 grams of heroin from James Jones, who operated Fat Cat’s Variety Store in Baltimore. Agents conducted surveillance at Fat Cat’s Variety Store and observed Hickman enter the store and then leave a short time later. While Hickman was in the store, James Jones made a telephone call to Tony Caldwell, confirming that it was appropriate to give Hickman 30 grams of heroin.
Hickman left the store, and investigating agents pulled him over and recovered a bag containing approximately 32 grams of heroin from his vehicle and 17 vials of heroin from the gas tank area of the car. After Hickman was arrested and released, agents overheard him attempting to arrange another purchase of 30 grams of heroin.
Co-defendants Gerard Kamoke Day, age 41; James Jones, age 38; Tony Maurice Caldwell, age 48; and James Joseph Henderson, age 39, all of Baltimore, pleaded guilty to their participation in the conspiracy and were sentenced to 115 months, 97 months, 70 months and five years in prison, respectively.
Prosecutors Albert Peisinger, MiaBeth Marosy and Christine Siemek of the Baltimore City State’s Attorney’s Office, detectives in the Baltimore City Police Department and Special Agents in the Drug Enforcement Administration initiated and supervised the 6-month state wire-tap investigation known as “Operation Fowl Play” related to this case. An additional 11 defendants have been indicted in Baltimore City Circuit Court and charged with conspiracy to distribute heroin. A September 10, 2008 trial date is scheduled.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein thanked Baltimore City State’s Attorney Patricia C. Jessamy, the Drug Enforcement Administration and Baltimore City Police Department for their assistance in the investigation and prosecution. Mr. Rosenstein commended Assistant United States Attorneys James T. Wallner, Bryan Giblin and Gregory Welsh, who prosecuted the case.