Two Men Sentenced in Federal Drug Cases

Jeremiah Hicks gets 12.5 years, DeAndre Johnson gets 6 years in separate cases

Mar. 16, 2026 at 4:42pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Two men were sentenced in separate federal drug cases in the U.S. District Courthouse in Hammond, Indiana. Jeremiah Hicks, a 38-year-old Hammond resident, was sentenced to 151 months in prison for distributing heroin and cocaine. DeAndre Johnson, a 42-year-old Chicago man, was sentenced to 6 years in prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.

Why it matters

These cases highlight the ongoing efforts by federal authorities to crack down on drug dealing and distribution, particularly in the Chicago metropolitan area which has struggled with high rates of drug-related crime and violence. The sentences handed down send a strong message about the consequences for those involved in the illegal drug trade.

The details

Hicks pleaded guilty in November 2023 to selling crack cocaine and heroin to undercover informants in Hammond. Police found a gun, cocaine, and cash when they searched his home, though Hicks claimed he only had the gun for self-protection. Johnson pleaded guilty in August 2023 to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, admitting to dealing drugs multiple times to an undercover informant between October 2023 and March 2024. His co-defendant Fernando Porras received an 8-year sentence in December.

  • Hicks sold drugs to undercover informants in August 2023.
  • Hicks pleaded guilty in November 2023.
  • Hicks was sentenced on March 16, 2026.
  • Johnson dealt drugs to an undercover informant from October 2023 to March 2024.
  • Johnson pleaded guilty in August 2023.

The players

Jeremiah Hicks

A 38-year-old Hammond, Indiana resident who pleaded guilty to distributing heroin and cocaine.

DeAndre Johnson

A 42-year-old Chicago man who pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.

Fernando Porras

The co-defendant of DeAndre Johnson who received an 8-year sentence in December.

Gretchen Lund

The U.S. District Judge who sentenced Jeremiah Hicks to 151 months in prison.

Adam Mildred

The U.S. Attorney who commented on the Hicks case.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The Defendant has forfeited over 12 years of his life because he chose to peddle this poison in our communities. We appreciate the hard work of the professionals at the BATFE and the Hammond Police Department that went into the investigation, arrest, and prosecution of this repeat offender.”

— Adam Mildred, U.S. Attorney (Press Release)

“Hicks doesn't have a propensity for violence.”

— Michael Campbell, Defense Lawyer (Court Filings)

The takeaway

These sentencings demonstrate the federal government's continued efforts to combat the distribution of illegal drugs, particularly in urban areas like Chicago and Hammond that have struggled with high rates of drug-related crime. The lengthy prison terms handed down to these repeat offenders send a strong message about the serious consequences for those involved in the drug trade.