News Release
February 17, 2006
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
PIO Laura DiCesare
(202) 305-8093

Silver Spring Man Sentenced to Over 15 Years in Prison for Distribution of Cocaine

Shawn A. Johnson, Special Agent in Charge of DEA’s Washington Division, announced today that U.S. District Judge Deborah K. Chasanow sentenced Tat Kim Huynh, age 33, of Silver Spring, Maryland, to 188 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release for possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base (crack) and 500 grams or more of cocaine hydrochloride. He was also ordered to forfeit $78,181 and a handgun that were found in his apartment.

According to the statement of facts presented at his guilty plea on November 18, 2005, on April 14, 2005 a search warrant was executed at Tat Kim Huynh’s residence. Huynh was found in the rear bedroom. The following items were seized from various locations with the residence, including a gym bag located in the rear bedroom: 1211.06 grams of cocaine base (“crack cocaine”), 1103.9 grams of cocaine hydrochloride, 345.5 grams of ecstasy, 263.6 grams of marijuana, 10.4 grams of methamphetamine, and a .45 caliber Colt semi-automatic handgun. A total of $78,181 in cash was seized from the residence. All of these items belonged to Huynh, who intended to distribute the drugs.

As part of his plea agreement, Huynh agreed to forfeit to the United States all of his interest in any money, property, or assets of any kind, derived from or acquired as a result of, or used to facilitate the commission of, his illegal activities, including $78,181 and the Colt handgun seized from his residence on April 14, 2005.

This investigation was conducted by the DEA Washington Division Office and the Prince George’s County Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Craig M. Wolff and Barbara S. Skalla.