GRAND RAPIDS, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – The final three defendants in a large meth distribution conspiracy, including two from Kalamazoo, have been sentenced for their roles in the ring.
According to a statement Monday from U.S. Attorney Andrew Birge, a federal jury found the three individuals guilty last Thursday after a four-day trial in Grand Rapids.
Those individuals are listed as follows:
- Timothy Calicutt, Kalamazoo
- Dwayne Parks, Kalamazoo
- Ronald Lee Sutherland, Allegan
They are the last of nine individuals to be sentenced in this case. The investigation revealed that the distribution areas included Allegan, Barry, Calhoun, Kalamazoo, Kent and Muskegon counties from late 2019 through June 2020.
Investigators say Parks supplies hundreds of pounds of crystal meth to Calicutt, who operated a drug house in Kalamazoo for further distribution. In addition, Parks also distributed pounds of methamphetamine to Sutherland, who redistributed it to buyers in Allegan.
The jury also convicted Calicutt for maintaining a drug house and for being a previously-convicted felon in possession of a firearm.
U.S. Attorney Birge issued the following statement on this case:
“These convictions are the result of a multi-agency investigation into the distribution of large amounts of crystal methamphetamine throughout West Michigan. Crystal methamphetamine is a dangerous and highly-addictive drug that has done great damage to our local communities. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to bringing traffickers of this drug to justice, which is made possible through the hard work of state and local police officers, and federal agents who were involved in this case.”
Over the course of the investigation, law enforcement says it seized over 18 pounds of crystal methamphetamine, two firearms, and over $27,000 in drug proceeds.
The charges were issued as follows:
Timothy Calicutt –
- Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine;
- Possession with Intent to Distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine;
- Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition;
- Maintaining a Drug-Involved Premises.
Dwayne Parks –
- Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine;
- Possession with Intent to Distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (2 counts).
Ronald Lee Sutherland –
- Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine;
- Possession with Intent to Distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.
All three of these individuals are now awaiting sentencing.
