United States Attorney Joseph S. Van Bokkelen
Northern District of Indiana

5400 Federal Plaza, Suite 1500 Hammond, IN 46320

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Mary L. Hatton May 16, 2006 PHONE: (219) 937-5603

Fax: (219) 852-2770

SIGNIFICANT EAST CHICAGO DRUG TRAFFICKER SENTENCED

Hammond, IN—Lee Dickens, age 28, of East Chicago, IN, was sentenced today by Judge Rudy Lozano to10 years imprisonment, 8 years supervised release and a $500 fine. Dickens also forfeited $48,000 . Lee Dickens has been a significant drug trafficker in the Calumet section of East Chicago. On February 3, 2006, Dickens pled guilty to one count of Possession with Intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. This offense involved an occurrence on July 27, 2005 in East Chicago, IN where Dickens purchased 2 kilograms of cocaine from another individual. Dickens was arrested on this same date shortly after this transaction occurred.

These charges were filed as a result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration as part of the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area program, and the East Chicago, Indiana Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sharon J. Johnson.

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