Convicted Cocaine Trafficker Sentenced To 17 Years In Prison

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A Johns Creek resident has been sentenced to nearly 20 years in federal prison for drug trafficking.

Ricky Nuckles has been sentenced to 17 years and 7 months in federal prison for trafficking 22 kilograms of cocaine and for possessing a firearm during that offense, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia said on Thursday.

Nuckles, 41, was found guilty by a jury on May 13, 2015.

“One of our most solemn responsibilities is to protect the public from the blight of illegal narcotics,” said U.S. Attorney John Horn. “Thanks to a vigilant off-duty DEA agent, 22 kilograms of cocaine is off the streets, and Nuckles’ drug-trafficking days are finished.”

On Dec. 23, 2013, Nuckles parked his car beside a pump at a gas station on Cheshire Bridge Road in Atlanta on Dec. 23, 2013, and entered the convenience store, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said.

As he walked into the store, Nuckles placed a call on his cell phone. Moments later, a second car drove up and parked beside the defendant’s car. The driver of the second car then carried a large suitcase over to Nuckles’ car, placed it inside and quickly returned to his car and drove away.

Nuckles watched the delivery through the store’s window and remotely locked his car the moment the suitcase was placed inside, Horn states.

Unbeknownst to Nuckles, an off-duty DEA agent was also at the gas station that morning, and watched the delivery happen while waiting in line for an emissions inspection.

“The agent confronted Nuckles as he attempted to return to his car and leave the station,” Horn’s office said. “ The agent identified himself, and after explaining what he saw, Nuckles fled back inside the convenience store and immediately discarded the cell phone he used to arrange the drug delivery.”

When Nuckles exited the store the second time, the agent was still waiting by Nuckles’ car. After learning that the defendants had a loaded firearm next to his driver’s seat, the agent placed himself between Nuckles and the car and dialed 911.

Minutes later, additional DEA agents and uniformed Atlanta Police Department officers arrived at the gas station. Nuckles consented to a search of the suitcase, which contained 22 kilograms of cocaine valued at roughly $750,000.

Agents also found an FN model 57 handgun and two 25-round extended magazines next to the driver’s seat of the car, within easy reach.

Nuckles, who lives in Johns Creek, was sentenced by Senior U.S. District Court Judge Orinda D. Evans. That sentence will be followed by five years of supervised release.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Cassandra Schansman and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Trevor C. Wilmot prosecuted the case.

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Image via Shutterstock