Springfield Man Convicted of Drug Trafficking Offenses

BOSTON - A Springfield, Mass. man was convicted today of drug trafficking following a three-day trial in Springfield.

Marcus Hicks, 43, was convicted of one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, one count of possession of cocaine base, also known as crack cocaine, and one count of possession with intent to distribute marijuana. U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni scheduled sentencing for Jan. 27, 2026. Hicks was indicted by a federal grand jury in September 2023.

On Nov. 21, 2022, Hicks possessed 97 grams of cocaine, 15 grams of crack cocaine and two and one-half pounds of marijuana intended for distribution.

The charges of possession with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base each provide for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million. The charge of possession with intent to distribute marijuana provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

United States Attorney Leah B. Foley, Jarod A. Forget, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration in New England, Holyoke Police Chief Brian Keenan and Superintendent Lawrence Akers of the Springfield Police Department made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Todd E. Newhouse of the Springfield Branch Office is prosecuting the case.