Authorities to cut down walls and trees to get 900lb ‘drug dealer’ to court
Authorities plan to cut through the wall of a 900-pound man’s trailer – and may need to cut down trees too – just to get him to court.
Kenneth Hicks, 48, is expected to plead guilty on Monday in Richmond Federal Court in Virginia to charges related to selling cocaine, but law enforcement must find a way to remove him from his home first.
On Tuesday, Judge David Novak approved a labor-intensive transportation plan for Hicks in an effort to protect his health, safety, and dignity, according to the Richmond Times-Dispatch.
In Novak’s request, he wrote ‘the FBI and U.S. Marshals may determine that it is necessary to open a large hole in the wall of the structure in order to facilitate the use of a device capable of lifting the defendant’s weight.’
He continued ‘This procedure may also require the removal of the ramp near his doorway, and trees on the property. This procedure may require the bracing of the floor, and the removal of parts of the ceiling structure as well.’
Hicks reportedly lives in an abutment at the rear of a mobile home. He was allowed to make his initial court appearance, on March 21, via video link.
Prior to Monday’s hearing, Hicks asked authorities to help him get to court.
Kate Middleton teases upcoming Chelsea Flower Show garden in new picturesAccording to the Emporia Independent Messenger, members of the FBI and US Marshals Service were seen carrying boards into Hicks’s home on Monday.
Once authorities get Hicks out of the home, they plan to take him to the courthouse loading dock. From there, he will be taken to his arraignment.
Hicks was charged with cocaine conspiracy for planing to distribute more that a pound of cocaine between 2013 and 2017.
Six other people were charged in relation to the apparent cocaine trafficking ring. Three have pleaded guilty so far.
If Hicks pleads guilty Monday, he will be immediately taken into custody and transported to a secure medical facility, authorities said.