2 Georgia men sentenced to prison for fentanyl distribution

ATLANTA, Ga. (WDEF) — The Department of Justice said they sentenced two Georgia men for fentanyl distribution this year. They sentenced Geno Demons, Jr. and Raymond Dexter Hicks to federal prison.

The DOJ said they sentenced the two men for conspiracy to possess, with intent to distribute, more than 400 grams of fentanyl.

Both Demons and Hicks are from Stockbridge, Georgia.

The judge sentenced 38-year-old Demons to 12 years and seven months in prison. The DOJ said that will be followed by five years of supervised release.

Additionally, they said that Demons plead guilty.

The DOJ said a judge sentenced 59-year-old Hicks to six years and six months in prison. They said this will be followed by five years of supervised release. Hicks plead guilty as well, the DOJ said.

“Demons and Hicks were involved in the distribution of large quantities of fentanyl, a drug that is steadily funneling poison into our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan.  “These sentences reflect the societal danger posed by this illicit drug and the seriousness with which the courts treat those who traffic it.”

Hicks was sentenced on January 17, and Demons was sentenced on March 9.

U.S. Attorney Buchanan said that Demons was working for a Mexico-based source of supply. The two were distributing kilogram quantities of fentanyl together.

Buchanan said while the DEA was undercover, Demons and Hicks attempted to sell them two kilograms of fentanyl. This happened in January 2021, and they were arrested at this time.

“These two defendants directly contributed to the nation’s ongoing opioid epidemic by pushing the dangerous drug fentanyl,” said Robert J. Murphy, the Special Agent in Charge of the Atlanta Field Division. “They’ve now been brought to justice and will face significant time behind bars.”