Federal Jury Convicts Member of ‘Getting Money Brothers’ Drug Ring
A federal jury in Charlotte, North Carolina, has found Kareem Hicks, 45, guilty of possession with intent to distribute cocaine. The conviction, announced by federal prosecutors on January 6, 2026, followed a trial that linked Hicks to a drug trafficking organization known as the “Getting Money Brothers” (GMB), which operated in the Charlotte area from at least 2023 until 2025. The verdict underscores the ongoing federal effort to dismantle networks that distribute large quantities of narcotics and arm themselves with firearms.
Source note: This article is based on a public release from the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The Conviction of Kareem Hicks
Kareem Hicks, a resident of New Jersey, was convicted on a single count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine. The charge stems from his role in the Getting Money Brothers drug trafficking organization. Hicks did not plead guilty; instead, he took his case to trial. After hearing the evidence, a federal jury returned a guilty verdict.
Prosecutors built their case around a specific event: on March 18, 2024, Hicks traveled from New Jersey to Charlotte to purchase a substantial quantity of cocaine from a member of GMB. Following that meeting, law enforcement officers executed a federal search warrant and discovered approximately 200 grams of cocaine inside Hick’s suitcase. That physical evidence, combined with witness testimony and other trial materials, convinced the jury of his guilt.
The charge carries a maximum prison sentence of 20 years. Following the verdict, the judge ordered Hicks to be taken into custody, where he will remain while awaiting sentencing. A sentencing date has not yet been scheduled. Federal judges typically consider a range of factors before imposing a sentence, including the quantity of drugs involved, the defendant’s criminal history, and any role the defendant played in a larger organization.
For Hicks, the conviction represents a serious legal outcome. Trial convictions in drug conspiracy cases can often result in sentences that reflect not only the specific act proven at trial but also the context of a defendant’s involvement with a broader criminal enterprise. As the case moves toward sentencing, both the prosecution and defense will have an opportunity to present arguments about what punishment is appropriate under federal law.
The ‘Getting Money Brothers’ Drug Trafficking Organization
The Getting Money Brothers, referred to by investigators as GMB, was not a loose collection of street-level dealers but an organized drug trafficking operation that federal authorities say moved large amounts of cocaine, cocaine base, and other narcotics through the greater Charlotte area. Court documents and evidence presented at trial described a network that operated multiple “drug houses” — properties used as distribution points and stash locations — from roughly 2023 until 2025.
The scale of the operation became clearer as the investigation progressed. According to the information obtained by law enforcement and cited at trial, during its two-year active period, GMB is believed to have handled more than 50 kilograms of cocaine and crack cocaine. The term “crack” is commonly used to refer to cocaine base, a form of the drug that is typically smoked. Cocaine base is often sold in smaller, more affordable quantities, which can contribute to wider street-level distribution.
The organization’s name, “Getting Money Brothers,” suggests an emphasis on profit, but beyond that, the public record contains few details about its precise hierarchy or how members were recruited. Federal authorities were able to identify multiple participants, and the charges filed indicate that the organization relied on a network of individuals performing different roles — from those who distributed drugs directly to those who oversaw larger transactions or traveled across state lines to move product.
The sentencing of the other co-defendants will may have provide additional insight into the organization’s inner workings, though much of that information may remain sealed or only partially disclosed. What is publicly known is that the federal case targeted not just street-level activity but the people who supplied, stored, and transported the drugs that reached Charlotte neighborhoods.
Multi-Agency Investigation and Seizures
The case against the Getting Money Brothers was built by a coalition of federal and local law enforcement agencies. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) all contributed to the investigation, which was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of North Carolina.
Such multi-agency collaborations are common in federal narcotics cases, particularly when the drug trafficking crosses state lines or involves significant quantities. HSI, which falls under the Department of Homeland Security, often focuses on transnational crime, while the FBI brings experience in complex conspiracy cases. Local police departments, like CMPD, provide on-the-ground intelligence and enforcement capability. The joint effort allowed investigators to collect evidence over many months, build a comprehensive picture of the organization, and ultimately interdict a substantial quantity of drugs and weapons.
During the course of the investigation, officials physically seized more than 20 kilograms of methamphetamine, 6 kilograms of cocaine, and 1 kilogram of fentanyl. The presence of fentanyl is particularly concerning to public health officials because it is significantly more potent than many other opioids and has been linked to a high number of overdose-related public safety concerns across the country. The seizure of that amount of fentanyl may have prevented a large number of potentially fatal doses from reaching the streets.
In addition to the drugs, authorities recovered more than 30 firearms from various individuals connected to the case. Federal prosecutors note that drug trafficking organizations often use firearms to protect their product, enforce debts, and intimidate rivals. Removing those weapons from circulation is a critical part of dismantling a violent drug network. The joint statement from the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the participating agencies emphasized that the operation was designed not simply to arrest one person but to disrupt the entire organization’s ability to function.
The March 2024 Drug Buy
One of the most concrete pieces of evidence against Kareem Hicks involved a trip he made from New Jersey to Charlotte on March 18, 2024. According to trial testimony, Hicks came specifically to purchase a large quantity of cocaine from a man named Wolfe, who was also a member of GMB. The transaction itself was not completed in the open; instead, law enforcement had already been monitoring the organization and was prepared to act.
After the meeting between Hicks and Wolfe, federal agents and local officers executed a search warrant. Inside Hicks’s luggage, they found approximately 200 grams of cocaine. The amount was far more than what would be considered personal use; it was consistent with quantities that a mid-level distributor might transport for further resale. The suitcase discovery, combined with the broader investigation into GMB, gave prosecutors a strong foundation for the possession with intent to distribute charge.
Hicks’s travel from New Jersey to North Carolina highlights the interstate dimension of the case. Drug trafficking organizations often rely on couriers who move product between cities to supply local markets. The fact that Hicks was coming from another state to buy cocaine suggests that GMB was not only selling throughout the Charlotte area but was also a source of supply for individuals and networks elsewhere. The investigation did not publicly detail whether Hicks had made similar trips before, but the evidence placed him directly in the middle of a significant narcotics transaction.
Other Defendants Who Pleaded Guilty
The conviction of Kareem Hicks was not an isolated event; he was one of five defendants charged in connection with the Getting Money Brothers investigation. The other four all chose to plead guilty rather than go to trial, and they are now awaiting sentencing in federal court.
Mandella Quinshawn Wolfe, 36, of Charlotte, pleaded guilty to distribution of cocaine base. His brother, Campton Conway Wolfe, 39, also of Charlotte, pleaded guilty to distribution of cocaine. Whynell Jason Rodriguez, 41, of Charlotte, pleaded guilty to distribution of cocaine base. Dwight LaQuelle Hallman, 42, of Charlotte, pleaded guilty to two counts of possession with intent to distribute cocaine. All four are local residents, underscoring the deep roots GMB had in the Charlotte community.
The fact that they entered guilty pleas means that each admitted in court to committing the crimes they were charged with. Guilty pleas often result in somewhat lower sentences than a trial conviction, as defendants may receive credit for accepting responsibility. However, federal drug distribution charges still carry substantial potential prison time. The specific sentences will depend on a number of factors, including the type and quantity of drug involved, prior criminal records, and any cooperation the individuals may have provided to law enforcement.
Their sentencing dates, like Hicks’s, have not yet been publicly announced. Once the court sets those dates, it will mark the final stage of the prosecutions against the five individuals publicly named in this case. The U.S. Attorney’s Office has not indicated whether additional charges or arrests are anticipated.
Federal Drug Sentencing: What Comes Next
Federal drug sentences are governed by a complex set of statutes and sentencing considerations that consider the nature of the offense, the defendant’s role in the criminal activity, and any aggravating or mitigating circumstances. For a charge of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, the maximum statutory penalty is 20 years in prison — the maximum that Kareem Hicks faces. However, the actual sentence can be much less and is influenced by the federal sentencing considerations, which score various factors to arrive at a recommended range.
Before a sentencing hearing, a pretrial services officer prepares a presentence report that details the defendant’s background, the specifics of the offense, and an initial guideline calculation. Both the prosecution and defense can file motions challenging parts of that report. At the hearing, the judge hears arguments from both sides, and the defendant has an opportunity to address the court. Ultimately, the judge imposes a sentence that is intended to reflect the seriousness of the crime, promote respect for the law, provide just punishment, deter future criminal conduct, and protect the public.
For the four defendants who pleaded guilty, the process is similar, though their guidelines may differ because they admitted guilt and, in some instances, might have cooperated. The quantity of drugs attributed to each defendant can significantly affect the guideline range. For example, distributing larger amounts of cocaine or cocaine base can lead to higher offense levels and longer sentences. Because the investigation determined that the GMB organization dealt in tens of kilograms of narcotics, it is possible that some defendants could face sentences approaching or even exceeding the 20-year mark, depending on their specific involvement and any federal sentencing requirements that apply. However, without access to the sealed plea agreements, the public cannot yet know what each defendant has admitted to or what sentence the government may recommend.
Once sentencing is complete, each defendant will be transferred to a federal prison facility. Under the federal system, there is no parole; defendants serve a substantial portion of their sentences — typically around 85% — before being eligible for supervised release, which functions like parole and can last several years.
Public Safety and Community Impact
Law enforcement officials did not hesitate to frame the Getting Money Brothers case as a public safety victory. U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson said in his statement following the verdict: “This case wasn’t just about one defendant. It was about dismantling an entire drug trafficking organization that flooded our community with dangerous drugs and weapons. Our office is committed to pursuing drug traffickers from the street level to the top of the organization and working with our law enforcement partners to shut them down completely.”
HSI Acting Special Agent in Charge Kyle D. Burns added: “This verdict sends a clear message: Homeland Security Investigations, alongside our law enforcement partners, will not tolerate criminal organizations that endanger our communities with drugs and violence. Through coordinated investigations and strong partnerships, we are committed to dismantling drug trafficking networks and keeping dangerous narcotics and firearms off our streets.”
The references to “drugs and violence” are not rhetorical alone. When an organization accumulates more than 30 firearms alongside large quantities of methamphetamine, cocaine, and fentanyl, the potential for violence — whether internal disputes, robberies by rival groups, or armed confrontations with police — is high. Drug markets often correlate with increased gun violence, and the seizure of weapons is considered just as important as the seizure of narcotics in disrupting an operation’s capacity to do harm.
From a community perspective, the impact of a drug trafficking organization like GMB extends beyond the immediate users and distributors. Drug houses can destabilize neighborhoods, leading to reduced property values, increased crime, and a sense of insecurity among residents. The presence of open-air drug markets and the associated violence can erode community cohesion and make it difficult for law-abiding residents to maintain safe environments. While the case against five defendants does not by itself solve all of those challenges, it represents a focused federal effort to target organized narcotics networks that cause disproportionate harm.
What Remains Unclear
Even after a trial conviction and four guilty pleas, several aspects of this case remain unknown to the public. First, the exact sentencing dates for all five defendants have yet to be scheduled, and the length of time until those hearings can vary widely depending on the court’s calendar, the complexity of the presentence investigation, and any post-trial motions. It is possible that months could pass before a sentencing hearing takes place.
Second, the government has not disclosed whether the investigation into the Getting Money Brothers is fully concluded. The phrase “dismantling an entire drug trafficking organization” implies that the operation went beyond these five individuals, but the public record does not name any additional targets or unindicted co-conspirators. Federal authorities sometimes continue to investigate associates after the initial convictions are secured, so further charges could emerge later.
Third, the organizational structure of GMB remains largely opaque. How the network sourced its supply, what connections it had to cartels or larger trafficking pipelines, and the precise roles of each defendant within the hierarchy have not been described in detail. Such information is often contained in sealed court filings or is revealed only if a defendant chooses to cooperate. The trial of Kareem Hicks may have shed some light on these matters, but transcripts are not publicly available, and the press release does not elaborate.
Fourth, the exact quantities of drugs that each defendant is accountable for legally may differ from the aggregate figures released. Federal sentencing takes into account the amount that was either directly possessed or reasonably foreseeable to each participant. The 50-kilogram estimate mentioned by investigators is a broad figure for the entire organization, not necessarily the amount attributable to any single defendant. Until the presentence reports become available or the details of the plea agreements are disclosed, the public cannot know what drug weight each person will be sentenced under.
Finally, the case did not go into detail about the methods used to investigate GMB — such as wiretaps, undercover operations, or informants. While such techniques are common in organized crime cases, their use was not confirmed in the public announcement. That omission is standard for ongoing law enforcement reasons, but it leaves some gaps for those seeking a complete picture of how the case was built.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Kareem Hicks and what was he convicted of?
Kareem Hicks is a 45-year-old man from New Jersey. A federal jury found him guilty of possession with intent to distribute cocaine. He was a member of the Getting Money Brothers drug trafficking organization.
What is the Getting Money Brothers drug trafficking organization?
The Getting Money Brothers (GMB) was a drug trafficking group that distributed cocaine, cocaine base, and other narcotics in the greater Charlotte area. It operated from roughly 2023 to 2025 and used several drug houses. Investigators believe the organization dealt more than 50 kilograms of cocaine and crack.
What drugs and weapons were seized in the investigation?
Law enforcement seized more than 20 kilograms of methamphetamine, 6 kilograms of cocaine, and 1 kilogram of fentanyl. They also recovered over 30 firearms from individuals connected to the case.
What happened to the other members of the organization?
Four other defendants have pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing: Mandella Quinshawn Wolfe, Campton Conway Wolfe, Whynell Jason Rodriguez, and Dwight LaQuelle Hallman. All four are from Charlotte.
What is the maximum sentence Kareem Hicks faces?
He faces a maximum of 20 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not been set.
Sources
This article is based on public information released by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and has been independently rewritten, summarized, and contextualized by Shadab Chow News. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Department of Justice, any court, or any government agency. It may be updated as more confirmed information becomes available.