United States Drug Enforcement Administration

Today, United States Attorney Thomas Govan and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent in Charge John P. Scott of the New Orleans Field Division announced that a Daleville, Alabama man has been sentenced for his role in a large-scale drug trafficking organization operating in Alabama’s Wiregrass region.

On June 3, 2026, Eric Demetrius King, 42, was sentenced to 420 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute cocaine and methamphetamine, distribution of methamphetamine, and conspiracy to commit money laundering. King will also serve five years of supervised release following his prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.

“This case demonstrates what can be accomplished when federal, state, and local law enforcement work together,” said United States Attorney Thomas Govan. “Our partners played a critical role in dismantling this drug trafficking network, and we will continue working side by side to combat the flow of illegal narcotics into the Middle District of Alabama.”

"Today's announcement reflects the tireless dedication of investigators who spent years unraveling a sophisticated network responsible for trafficking vast quantities of meth and cocaine into Alabama,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge John P. Scott. “With the organization's leader facing 35 years in federal prison, and 18 additional defendants being held accountable, we have dealt a substantial blow to drug trafficking in the Wiregrass region. The DEA New Orleans Field Division remains deeply committed to keeping our communities safe and ensuring that those who profit from the illicit drug trade face the full weight of federal justice."

According to court documents, in the spring of 2022, DEA, working in coordination with multiple local law enforcement agencies, began investigating a suspected drug trafficking operation in southeast Alabama. Investigators determined that at least 19 individuals, including King, were part of a conspiracy responsible for transporting and distributing significant quantities of methamphetamine and cocaine into the Wiregrass.

During the investigation, agents identified King as a major participant who exercised a leadership role within the conspiracy.

To date, eight of King’s co-conspirators have been sentenced:

• Marco Lionel Agee, 51, of Fort Walton Beach, Florida – 276 months in prison; five years of supervised release

• Curtis Antonio Fitzpatrick, 44, of Elba, Alabama – 151 months in prison; five years of supervised release

• Alexander Travarez Richardson, 34, of Daleville, Alabama – 135 months in prison; five years of supervised release

• Cristion Martinez, 32, of Ellenwood, Georgia – 120 months in prison; five years of supervised release

• Steven L. Cole, 50, of Enterprise, Alabama – 97 months in prison; four years of supervised release

• Benjamin Maurice Sanders, 51, of Chancellor, Alabama – 78 months in prison; five years of supervised release

• Tavon Marquis Davies, 30, of Enterprise, Alabama – 48 months in prison; four years of supervised release

• Freddy Rodriguez, 68, of Daleville, Alabama – 15 months in prison; two years of supervised release

Sentencing hearings for the remaining ten defendants are pending.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Eufaula Police Department, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, the Dothan Police Department, the Geneva Police Department, the Dale County Sheriff’s Office, the Geneva County Sheriff’s Office, theOkaloosa County, Florida Sheriff’s Office, and the Florida Highway Patrol. Assistant United States Attorney Chelsea Wilson is prosecuting the case.