A federal grand jury indicted Maurice Hackett, 49, of Fresno on Apr. 23 for allegedly possessing cocaine with intent to distribute, possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and being a felon in possession of a firearm, according to U.S. Attorney Eric Grant.
The indictment highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement to address drug and firearms offenses in the region. The case is part of Operation Take Back America, which aims to combat illegal immigration and organized crime while protecting communities from violent offenders.
Court documents state that law enforcement searched Hackett’s residence on March 25 after detectives observed social media posts featuring firearms and narcotics as well as statements about robbing others for drugs. Officers reportedly found a loaded handgun with a high-capacity magazine, more than one and a half pounds of cocaine, scales, and pay/owe sheets used for tracking debts. Due to previous felony convictions in Fresno County and the U.S. District Court in Fresno for being a felon in possession of a firearm, Hackett is prohibited from having firearms or ammunition.
Homeland Security Investigations and the Fresno Police Department led the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Veneman-Hughes is prosecuting the case. If convicted on all counts, Hackett faces significant prison time: at least five years up to forty years for drug distribution; an additional five years up to life for possessing a firearm during drug trafficking; and up to fifteen years for being a felon with a firearm. Fines could total over $5 million combined. Sentencing would be determined by the court based on statutory factors and federal guidelines.
The charges are allegations only; Hackett is presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.
The U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of California enforces federal laws through prosecutions of criminal violations and management of civil lawsuits on behalf of the government according to its official website. The office operates under the Department of Justice with branches in Sacramento, Fresno, and Bakersfield according to its official website, covering more than 87,000 square miles across 34 counties according to its official website. Its jurisdiction stretches from the Oregon border southward past Bakersfield and eastward toward Nevada according to its official website.
Looking ahead, officials say this prosecution underscores continued efforts by local authorities working alongside federal agencies “to repel the invasion of illegal immigration [and] achieve the total elimination of cartels,” as stated within Operation Take Back America.
