By Jeff Devine, Dale County Chronicle
MONTGOMERY—It was one of the largest drug trafficking networks in modern Wiregrass history. This large-scale operation affected the lives of thousands as it fueled addiction and drug dependence disorders. Today, the leader of that organization has been brought to justice.
A Daleville man has been sentenced to 35 years in federal prison for his leadership role in the far-reaching drug trafficking organization responsible for distributing methamphetamine and cocaine throughout Alabama’s Wiregrass region.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Alabama, 42-year-old Eric Demetrius King of Daleville was sentenced on June 3 to 420 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute cocaine and methamphetamine, distribution of methamphetamine, and conspiracy to commit money laundering.
Following his 35-year prison term, King, who will be 77 upon his release, will serve five years of supervised release. Federal officials noted that there is no parole in the federal prison system, so King will serve the full term unless he is released early under certain federal programs, such as Trump’s First Step Act.
Federal prosecutors said King was a major participant in a drug trafficking conspiracy involving at least 19 individuals who transported and distributed significant quantities of methamphetamine and cocaine throughout southeast Alabama.
“This case demonstrates what can be accomplished when federal, state, and local law enforcement work together,” newly sworn-in U.S. Attorney Thomas Govan said in a statement. “Our partners played a critical role in dismantling this drug trafficking network, and we will continue working side by side to combat the flow of illegal narcotics into the Middle District of Alabama.”
According to court documents, the investigation began in the spring of 2022 when the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), working alongside multiple law enforcement agencies, launched an investigation into a suspected drug trafficking operation in the Wiregrass. Investigators ultimately identified King as a leader within the organization.
DEA Special Agent in Charge John P. Scott of the New Orleans Field Division said the case represents years of investigative work targeting a sophisticated criminal network.
“Today’s announcement reflects the tireless dedication of investigators who spent years unraveling a sophisticated network responsible for trafficking vast quantities of meth and cocaine into Alabama,” Scott said.
“With the organization’s leader facing 35 years in federal prison, and 18 additional defendants being held accountable, we have dealt a substantial blow to drug trafficking in the Wiregrass region,” Scott added.
To date, eight of King’s co-conspirators have also received federal prison sentences:
• Marco Lionel Agee, 51, of Fort Walton Beach, Florida, 276 months in prison and five years of supervised release.
• Curtis Antonio Fitzpatrick, 44, of Elba, 151 months in prison and five years of supervised release.
• Alexander Travarez Richardson, 34, of Daleville, 135 months in prison and five years of supervised release.
• Cristion Martinez, 32, of Ellenwood, Georgia, 120 months in prison and five years of supervised release.
• Steven L. Cole, 50, of Enterprise, 97 months in prison and four years of supervised release.
• Benjamin Maurice Sanders, 51, of Chancellor, 78 months in prison and five years of supervised release.
• Tavon Marquis Davies, 30, of Enterprise, 48 months in prison and four years of supervised release.
• Freddy Rodriguez, 68, of Daleville, 15 months in prison and two years of supervised release.
Federal officials said sentencing hearings for the remaining 10 defendants are still pending.
The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Eufaula Police Department, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, the Dothan Police Department, the Geneva Police Department, the Dale County Sheriff’s Office, the Geneva County Sheriff’s Office, the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office in Florida, and the Florida Highway Patrol.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Chelsea Wilson prosecuted the case.
In the criminal justice system, all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. King and the co-defendants referenced in this article have entered guilty pleas or have been convicted in federal court proceedings.
If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, help is available. You can receive anonymous help by dialing 988, and trained mental health professionals can guide you to resources available in your area. You can also visit the link below.
