Convicted Felon Indicted for Drug Trafficking

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. - A convicted felon appeared in federal court following an indictment for drug trafficking, announced U.S. Attorney Phillip W. Williams Jr.

A two-count indictment filed in U.S. District Court charges Reco Rontaza Willingham, 49, of Decatur, Alabama, with possession with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine in Lawrence County, Alabama, on December 14, 2023. Willingham was also charged with attempted possession with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine in Morgan County, Alabama, between August 11, and August 20, 2026.

According to the indictment, Willingham was convicted on October 1, 2008, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Alabama, of possession with the intent to distribute cocaine and marijuana and continuing a criminal enterprise. Willingham served an 188-month sentence in federal prison.

DEA and HSI investigated this case along with the North Alabama Drug Task Force, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, and the Morgan County Sheriff's Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sara M. Judah is prosecuting the case.

An indictment contains only charges. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.