Federal Gun, Cocaine and Heroin Defendant Sentenced To 15 Years

WILMINGTON, Del. – David C. Weiss, United States Attorney for the District of Delaware, announced today that Thomas Brooks, 54, of Wilmington, was sentenced to 15 years’ incarceration by Chief U.S. District Judge Leonard P. Stark following convictions for conspiracy to distribute cocaine, possession with intent to distribute heroin and cocaine, possession of a firearm by a felon, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.  This is Brooks’ sixth conviction for drug dealing crimes.

According to documents filed and statements made in open court, Brooks was a main sub distributor in an extensive drug conspiracy, dealing at least one kilogram of cocaine during the fall of 2016.  Brooks was recorded making dozens of calls and sending drug-related text messages during the conspiracy investigation.

On November 3, 2016, three men broke into Brooks’ residence.  The perpetrators shot another person inside the home. Brooks then used his own firearm to shoot back..  Wilmington Police Department responded to the shooting and discovered a handgun, 123 grams of cocaine and 14 grams of heroin Brooks subsequently fled to Minnesota, where he was later apprehended.

Following today’s sentencing, U.S. Attorney Weiss stated, “Guns and drugs are a lethal combination and a scourge on our community, and today’s sentence reflects the danger posed by defendant’s conduct.  My office will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to identify, investigate, arrest, and vigorously prosecute those who use guns to promote their drug trade in Delaware.”

“Today’s sentencing is indicative of the success that can be attained when agencies combine resources to remove violent drug distributors off the street,” said FBI Baltimore Special Agent in Charge Gordon B. Johnson. “The citizens of Delaware have the FBI’s commitment that we will work with our local, state and federal partners to attack these dealers and remove violent criminals from their neighborhoods.”

Wilmington Police Chief, Robert J. Tracy stated, "All of our local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies were very instrumental in working with the U.S. Attorney's Office.  The sentencing in this case is a result of everyone's  great work.  The successful conviction is beneficial to all agencies, involved, but it is most beneficial to the City of Wilmington as we continue to make progress towards making the communities in the City of Wilmington safe."

This case is the result of an investigation led by the FBI Delaware Violent Crime Safe Streets Taskforce and assisted by Wilmington Police Department and the Delaware Attorney General’s Office.  The FBI Delaware Violent Crime Safe Streets Taskforce is a part of the New Castle County HIDTA, comprised of the Delaware State Police, Delaware Department Probation Parole, New Castle County Police Department, University of Delaware Police Department, and Wilmington Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher L. de Barrena-Sarobe and Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander S. Mackler.