Stuart praised the investigation conducted by the St. Albans Police Department, the United States Secret Service and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). “Several prior felony convictions. Still carrying guns. And getting counterfeit currency to purchase drugs,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “It is with a great sense of urgency that we continue our efforts to get violent offenders off our streets. More to come.” In August, Hicks pled guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and to possession of counterfeit United States currency. Hicks admitted that he had several prior felony convictions and that he possessed four firearms on different occasions. He also admitted that he purchased counterfeit currency on the internet and he intended to use the counterfeit currency to purchase drugs. Assistant United States Attorney Steve Loew handled the prosecution. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
-- Southern District of West Virginia