Federal Judge Sentenced Three for Meth Distribution
Three Louisiana residents received prison terms for their involvement in methamphetamine distribution conspiracies.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Drug Crime
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A federal judge in Louisiana has sentenced Marcello B. Hicks, Buford E. Sawyer, and Sevesta Sweet for their roles in separate methamphetamine distribution conspiracies. The sentences follow guilty pleas entered by each defendant earlier in 2026.
Why it matters
These sentencings represent the conclusion of federal efforts to dismantle local drug distribution networks operating within the state. The legal proceedings highlight the ongoing enforcement actions against methamphetamine trafficking in Louisiana.
Marcello B. Hicks received a 160-month term, while Buford E. Sawyer and Sevesta Sweet received 60 and 37-month sentences respectively. All three were prosecuted in the Western District of Louisiana.
The players
Marcello B. Hicks
He is a resident of Many who pleaded guilty to his role in a methamphetamine distribution conspiracy.
Buford E. Sawyer
He is a resident of Leesville who was convicted for his participation in a drug distribution conspiracy.
Sevesta Sweet
She is a resident of Many who was apprehended following a traffic stop and foot pursuit involving methamphetamine.
The details
Law enforcement utilized controlled purchases and undercover operations to secure evidence against Hicks, while traffic stops and communication intercepts led to the apprehensions of Sawyer and Sweet. Authorities recovered a total of 522 grams of methamphetamine during the investigations.
Timeline
Marcello B. Hicks distributed drugs between November 22, 2022, and January 23, 2023.
Buford E. Sawyer participated in a conspiracy from July 11, 2024, to November 2, 2025.
Sevesta Sweet engaged in drug transactions on August 6-7, 2025.
Marcello B. Hicks was sentenced on September 28, 2026.
Buford E. Sawyer and Sevesta Sweet were sentenced on October 1, 2026.
Legal Context
These sentencings reflect the application of federal mandatory sentencing guidelines under the Controlled Substances Act. Such prosecutions are part of a broader, ongoing effort to mitigate the regional impact of methamphetamine distribution in the Western District of Louisiana.
The resolution of these cases closes a specific chapter of drug trafficking activity in the Many and Leesville areas. Residents may see continued, focused law enforcement presence as officials target similar distribution networks throughout the region.
The takeaway
These cases underscore the significant prison time associated with federal methamphetamine distribution convictions. Individuals involved in such conspiracies face lengthy incarceration terms under federal sentencing guidelines.
Further reading
For more information on legal proceedings, visit the Drug Crime section.
More information
View official federal court electronic case records for additional details on these proceedings.
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