A Tuscaloosa man has been sentenced to 24 years in prison for his role in a drug conspiracy involving methamphetamine and fentanyl. U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona announced that Hanston Alexander Clark, also known as "Hank," was convicted by a jury in November 2024 on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl, distribution of these drugs, and using a communication facility for drug trafficking.
U.S. District Court Judge Corey L. Maze delivered the sentence of 288 months for Clark's involvement in the case. Two other defendants had already been sentenced: Terrance Antwon Stevens, or "Toot Toot," received a 99-month sentence after pleading guilty to similar charges, while Yannick Keyon Wolf was sentenced to 57 months.
“This sentence sends a clear message that those who deal deadly drugs in our communities will be held accountable,” said U.S. Attorney Escalona. “My office will continue working with our federal, state, and local partners to dismantle drug trafficking operations and protect the citizens of North Alabama from this deadly threat.”
DEA New Orleans Division Special Agent in Charge Steven Hofer commented on the sentencing as well: “This sentencing marks the final chapter in dismantling a dangerous drug trafficking network that pumped deadly fentanyl and methamphetamine into our communities.” He emphasized the DEA's commitment alongside their partners to combatting such criminal activities.
ATF Acting Special Agent in Charge Jason Stankiewicz noted the collaboration among law enforcement agencies: “The ATF worked diligently with our state, local, and federal law enforcement partners to swiftly remove these individuals from the community and hold them accountable.”
Evidence presented at trial revealed that Clark coordinated with co-defendant Stevens via phone calls and text messages for a drug transaction in June 2023. Clark delivered three pounds of methamphetamine and 100 grams of fentanyl from Birmingham to Stevens’s residence in Anniston. A subsequent search warrant led law enforcement to recover significant quantities of narcotics including over 400 grams of powder fentanyl, more than 2,300 blue fentanyl pills labeled “M30,” over 50 grams of heroin, along with two firearms.
The investigation is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) initiative aimed at dismantling high-level criminal networks through collaboration among multiple agencies.
The case was investigated by the DEA, ATF, Oxford Police Department, and the 7th Judicial Major Crimes Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brittany Byrd and Alan Kirk prosecuted the case.
