KEY POINTS
A Madison, Florida man has been federally indicted on a charge of distributing methamphetamine, federal authorities announced Monday. Willie Frank Hicks, Jr., 42, faces the charge in the Northern District of Florida, according to a statement from United States Attorney John P. Heekin. The indictment is part of a broader federal initiative aimed at combating drug trafficking and violent crime.
Arraignment and Legal Proceedings
Hicks is scheduled to make his initial court appearance for an arraignment on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. The hearing will take place in the federal courthouse in Tallahassee before United States Magistrate Judge Martin A. Fitzpatrick.
During the arraignment, Hicks will be formally presented with the charge against him and will have the opportunity to enter a plea. This hearing marks the official start of the court proceedings in this case.
Potential Penalties
If convicted of the methamphetamine distribution charge, Hicks faces a significant prison sentence. Federal sentencing guidelines for this offense include a minimum mandatory sentence of 10 years and a maximum possible sentence of life imprisonment.
Investigation and Prosecution
The indictment follows a joint investigation conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Madison County Sheriff’s Office. The federal government’s case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Eric K. Mountin.
It is important to note that an indictment is a formal accusation by a grand jury and does not constitute evidence of guilt. Under the U.S. justice system, all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Part of ‘Operation Take Back America’
This case is part of a national law enforcement initiative known as Operation Take Back America. The program coordinates resources from the Department of Justice to address transnational criminal organizations and violent crime impacting local communities.
The operation leverages established programs, including the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN), to streamline federal, state, and local law enforcement efforts.
The federal charge against Hicks underscores the continued focus by law enforcement agencies on disrupting the flow of illegal narcotics in Northern Florida. The upcoming arraignment will be the next step in a legal process that could result in a lengthy prison term if a conviction is secured.
