Drug Dealer That Trafficked Between Atlanta and Houston Sentenced to Life in Prison

Ronald Brown, also known as Nuk, Nook, or Nookie, has been sentenced to life in federal prison for his involvement in multiple violent crimes connected to a drug trafficking conspiracy. This was announced by U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.

The decision came after a federal jury deliberated for six hours and returned guilty verdicts on all counts against Brown following a six-day trial that ended on October 31, 2023. The charges included conspiracy to commit murder for hire, intentional killing related to drug trafficking, firearm-related offenses, kidnapping, and conspiracy to distribute cocaine.

U.S. District Judge Sim Lake ordered Brown to serve life in federal prison and recommended that he be confined in a communications management unit for heightened monitoring of his communications. This decision was influenced by evidence presented during the trial of Brown’s attempts to intimidate, influence, and kill witnesses.

The court heard how Brown was involved in trafficking large amounts of cocaine between Houston and Atlanta, Georgia, using trucks and car haulers. Witnesses testified about his role in moving significant quantities of drugs and his involvement in violent incidents, including a kidnapping where the victim was shot but survived.

Brown was also found responsible for orchestrating the murder of an individual he suspected of stealing drugs from him. He hired a shooter who fatally shot the victim after a parole visit in July 2014.

Despite the defense’s attempt to shift blame onto other members of the drug trafficking organization, the jury found Brown guilty as charged. He will remain in custody until he is transferred to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility.

The investigation was conducted by the FBI with assistance from several law enforcement agencies including the Houston Police Department’s Homicide Division, Texas Department of Criminal Justice – Parole Division, U.S. Marshals Service, Federal Bureau of Prisons, and Drug Enforcement Administration.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sebastian A. Edwards and Britni Cooper.