Many and Leesville Men Sentenced in Federal Methamphetamine Conspiracy Cases

SHREVEPORT / LAFAYETTE - On September 28, 2026, United States District Judge S. Maurice Hicks sentenced Marcello B. Hicks, 45, of Many, to 160 months (over 13 years) in federal prison for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance, followed by five years of supervised release. Hicks pled guilty on April 15, 2026.

On October 1, 2026, United States District Judge Robert R. Summerhays sentenced Buford E. Sawyer, 60, of Leesville, to 60 months (five years) in federal prison for Conspiracy to Possess a Controlled Substance with Intent to Distribute, followed by four years of supervised release. Sawyer pled guilty on June 30, 2026.

On the same day, Judge Summerhays also sentenced Sevesta Sweet, 40, of Many, to 37 months (over three years) in federal prison for Conspiracy to Possess a Controlled Substance with Intent to Distribute, followed by four years of supervised release. Sweet pled guilty on June 16, 2026.

U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller for the Western District of Louisiana made the announcement.

HICKS

Between November 22, 2022, and January 23, 2023, Hicks conspired with others to distribute methamphetamine in various parts of the Western District of Louisiana. Agents conducted multiple controlled purchases from Hicks, including an undercover operation arranged by a confidential informant. Hicks directed the informant to a residence, entered the residence with $2,800, and later returned with 189 grams of methamphetamine.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Sabine Parish Tactical Narcotics Team (SPTNT). It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Samuel S. Crichton with assistance from Paralegal Specialist Emily Favrot.

SAWYER

Between July 11, 2024, and November 2, 2025, Sawyer conspired with others to acquire methamphetamine for distribution. A co-conspirator supplied Sawyer with 85 grams of methamphetamine during the conspiracy. Sawyer knowingly joined the unlawful agreement, understood its purpose, and took steps to advance the conspiracy. He also admitted that he knew the scheme involved at least 50 grams of methamphetamine.

This case was investigated by the FBI and Vernon Parish Sheriff's Office (VPSO). It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney LaDonte Murphy with assistance from Legal Assistant Christy Angelle.

SWEET

Sweet also conspired with others to possess methamphetamine for distribution. On August 6, 2025, Sweet was part of an intercepted communication in which a co-conspirator discussed purchasing methamphetamine from another individual. Sweet was overheard discussing his own planned drug transaction. On August 7, 2025, Sweet met with another conspirator in order to complete the purchase. Later that day, during a traffic stop, Sweet fled into a wooded area carrying a black bag. Agents recovered the bag after apprehending him and found approximately 248 grams of methamphetamine.

This case was investigated by FBI and VPSO. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney LaDonte Murphy with assistance from Legal Assistant Christy Angelle.

These prosecutions were part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the Department of Justice's nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys' offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump's Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.

You may find a copy of this press release (and any updates) on the website of the United States Attorney's Office for the Western District of Louisiana at http://www.justice.gov/usao-wdla.

Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Western District of Louisiana at http://www.lawd.uscourts.gov or at https://www.lawd.uscourts.gov/cmecf-pacer under the following case numbers: Hicks: 26 00009 01; Sawyer: 6:26 CR 00027 11; Sweet: 6:26 CR 00027 07.

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