Springfield Man Receives 18-Month Sentence for Drug Trafficking

A Springfield man will spend a year and a half in federal prison after being convicted of trafficking cocaine, crack cocaine, and marijuana.

Marcus Hicks, 46, received his sentence on January 27, 2026, in federal court in Springfield, Massachusetts. U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni handed down an 18-month prison term, followed by three years of supervised release after Hicks completes his incarceration.

The Conviction

In September 2025, Hicks was convicted on three drug-related charges:

• Possession with intent to distribute cocaine
• Possession of cocaine base (crack cocaine)
• Possession with intent to distribute marijuana

The conviction came nearly two years after a federal grand jury indicted Hicks in September 2023.

What Authorities Found

On November 21, 2022, law enforcement discovered Hicks in possession of substantial quantities of illegal drugs intended for distribution. The seizure included:

• 97 grams of powder cocaine
• 15 grams of crack cocaine
• Two and one-half pounds of marijuana

The drug quantities fell below federal mandatory minimum thresholds, which require 500 grams of powder cocaine or 28 grams of crack cocaine to trigger automatic minimum sentences. This gave Judge Mastroianni discretion in determining the appropriate punishment based on the specific circumstances of the case.

Timeline of the Case

see below ad..

The legal proceedings spanned more than three years from the initial drug possession to sentencing. Hicks possessed the drugs in November 2022, faced federal indictment 10 months later in September 2023, was convicted two years after that in September 2025, and received his sentence in January 2026.

Multi-Agency Effort

The case involved collaboration between federal and local law enforcement agencies. United States Attorney Leah B. Foley, who was appointed to lead the District of Massachusetts in January 2025, announced the sentencing alongside several law enforcement leaders.

Jarod A. Forget, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration in New England, participated in the announcement. Local police leadership included Holyoke Police Chief Brian Keenan, who took office just weeks before the sentencing in January 2026, and Springfield Police Superintendent Lawrence Akers, who has led the department since April 2024.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Todd E. Newhouse of the Springfield Branch Office handled the prosecution.

Understanding Supervised Release

After completing his 18-month prison term, Hicks will face three years of supervised release. During this period, he must comply with court-ordered conditions, which typically include regular check-ins with a probation officer, drug testing, employment requirements, and restrictions on travel and association with known criminals. Violating these conditions could result in additional prison time

• Did You Enjoy This Article?   📰

  If you found this piece engaging, subscribe to The 413 Insider!
  Our FREE WEEKLY NEWSLETTER  delivers the latest articles and insights directly to your inbox, ensuring you never miss out on our content. Plus, stay connected with us on social media for real-time updates and discussions.

  Join our community today and be part of the conversation!