NEWS RELEASE
CHIPPEWA COUNTY PROSECUTING ATTORNEY
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Yesterday, the Honorable James Lambros of the 50th Circuit Court, sentenced Brian Hicks, age 35, in two separate drug related cases.
In the first case, Hicks was sentenced to thirty (30) years in prison for two counts of delivery of a methamphetamine.
In the second case, Hicks was sentenced to thirty (30) years for possession with intent to deliver more than 50 grams of cocaine.
Judge Lambros handed down a stiff sanction, ordering that he serve both cases concurrently, but deemed that he would not be eligible for parole until he serves ten (10) years in prison.
Mr. Hicks, originally from Lincoln Park, Mich., moved to the Upper Peninsula where he quickly made a name for himself as a key drug dealer in the Kinross area, selling large amounts of methamphetamine and cocaine, including selling out of the Clyde’s restaurant in Kinross.
During the sentencing hearing, Prosecutor Robert L. Stratton told the Court that Chippewa County was not the only victim of Mr. Hick’s crimes, that he had also been distributing methamphetamine in the Mackinac County area, where he currently awaits sentencing on those charges.
Prosecutor Stratton commended the TRIDENT and UPSET Drug teams for their exceptional work in these investigations. Stratton recognized the impact that these types of cases have had on our community.
He further stated “I will continue to send a message that being a drug dealer and selling methamphetamine in our community will not be accepted, will not be tolerated and that there will be serious consequences when you are caught. Methamphetamine takes and destroy lives, destroys family’s and destroys communities and it won’t be tolerated here.”
The following poem was shared with the Prosecutor’s Office from a concerned citizen and shows the seriousness and danger of methamphetamine.
"My Name: 'Is Meth' I destroy homes, I tear families apart, take your children, and that's just the start. I'm more costly than diamonds, more precious than gold, The sorrow I bring is a sight to behold. If you need me, remember I'm easily found, I live all around you - in schools and in town I live with the rich; I live with the poor, I live down the street, and maybe next door. I'm made in a lab, but not like you think, I can be made under the kitchen sink. In your child's closet, and even in the woods, If this scares you to death, well it certainly should. I have many names, but there's one you know best, I'm sure you've heard of me, my name is crystal meth. My power is awesome; try me you'll see, But if you do, you may never break free. Just try me once and I might let you go, But try me twice, and I'll own your soul. When I possess you, you'll steal and you'll lie, You do what you have to -- just to get high. The crimes you'll commit for my narcotic charms Will be worth the pleasure you'll feel in your arms, your lungs your nose. You'll lie to your mother; you'll steal from your dad, When you see their tears, you should feel sad. But you'll forget your morals and how you were raised, I'll be your conscience, I'll teach you my ways. I take kids from parents, and parents from kids, I turn people from God, and separate friends. I'll take everything from you, your looks and your pride, I'll be with you always -- right by your side. You'll give up everything - your family, your home, Your friends, your money, then you'll be alone. I'll take and take, till you have nothing more to give, When I'm finished with you, you'll be lucky to live. If you try me be warned - this is no game, If given the chance, I'll drive you insane. I'll ravish your body, I'll control your mind, I'll own you completely, your soul will be mine. The nightmares I'll give you while lying in bed, The voices you'll hear, from inside your head. The sweats, the shakes, the visions you'll see, I want you to know, these are all gifts from me. But then it's too late, and you'll know in your heart, That you are mine, and we shall not part. You'll regret that you tried me, they always do, But you came to me, not I to you. You knew this would happen, many times you were told, But you challenged my power and chose to be bold. You could have said no, and just walked away, If you could live that day over, now what would you say? I'll be your master, you will be my slave, I'll even go with you, when you go to your grave. Now that you have met me, what will you do? Will you try me or not? It's all up to you. I can bring you more misery than words can tell, come take my hand, let me lead you to hell."
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