Talia Hicks, a 33-year-old resident of Philadelphia, was sentenced to three years’ probation and one month of home confinement for her role in conspiring to distribute controlled substances. United States District Judge Kelley Brisbon Hodge also ordered the forfeiture of approximately $2,900.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Hicks pleaded guilty in March after being charged by information. The case involved a scheme that took place from at least December 2019 through November 2020, during which Hicks conspired with others to smuggle Suboxone into the Curran-Fromhold Correctional Facility (CFCF). At the time, she was employed by the Transportation Security Administration at Philadelphia International Airport.
Court filings state that video tablet calls—recorded communications available to inmates at CFCF—showed a co-conspirator discussing payments via CashApp and Apple Pay with inmates. These payments were sent both to the co-conspirator and to Hicks. Investigators reviewed records from CashApp and Green Dot, revealing that Hicks and her co-conspirator facilitated multiple transactions related to Suboxone distribution. In some cases, Hicks provided drugs directly or managed payments on behalf of her co-conspirator for smuggling activities.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation led the investigation into this case. Assistant United States Attorney Jason Grenell prosecuted.
United States Attorney David Metcalf stated: “Hicks conspired with multiple individuals to smuggle Suboxone into the Curran-Fromhold Correctional Facility.”
The prosecution is part of ongoing efforts by federal authorities in Philadelphia to address contraband smuggling within correctional facilities.
