Previously convicted felon sentenced to more than 11 years in prison for fentanyl, firearms

COLUMBUS, Ohio - A Columbus man who illegally possessed kilograms of narcotics and multiple loaded firearms in the same residence as six young children was sentenced in U.S. District Court today to 135 months in prison.

Shedrick Hawkins, 33, possessed with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine and illegally possessed firearms as a previously convicted felon.

According to court documents, in April and May 2023, investigators learned Hawkins was the source of supply for many undercover drug transactions they had conducted.

In June 2023, law enforcement officials executed a search warrant at Hawkins's residence, where six children ranging from infancy to 9 years old were present. At the residence, investigators discovered nearly one kilogram of fentanyl, more than 1.7 kilograms of cocaine and four firearms. One of the firearms had a sear installed, which makes the firearm capable of acting as a fully automatic weapon. Investigators also discovered nearly $18,000 in cash, five cell phones and multiple rounds of ammunition in the residence.

Hawkins was charged federally in June 2023 and pleaded guilty in May 2024.

Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Orville O. Greene, Special Agent in Charge, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); Franklin County Sheriff Dallas Baldwin and Columbus City Attorney Zach Klein announced the sentence imposed by Chief U.S. District Court Judge Sarah D. Morrison. Assistant United States Attorneys Nicole Pakiz and Kevin W. Kelley, and Special Assistant United States Attorney Heidy T. Carr of the Columbus City Attorney's Office are representing the United States in this case.

This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, and gangs that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

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