Operation X-Nation Update: Pennsylvania Man Sentenced to More Than 14 Years in Federal Prison for Drug Crime

 BLUEFIELD, W.Va. – A Pennsylvania man was sentenced to federal prison for his participation in a drug trafficking organization (DTO) operating in Mercer County, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Sezar Hamilton, 39, was sentenced to 174 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for conspiring to distribute hydromorphone. Hamilton was charged as a result of a long-term, multi-state investigation known as Operation X-Nation. 

“Great work by authorities in busting up this drug operation in Mercer County that was perpetuating pill dependency in our district,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “Hamilton is one of six charged as a result of Operation X-Nation. He now has more than 14 years to think about his dangerous ways.”

Hamilton previously admitted at a plea hearing in June that between August 2017 and August 31, 2019, he participated in a drug trafficking organization (DTO) operating in Mercer County. During this time period Hamilton worked with other members of the DTO to acquire and distribute prescription pills in and around Mercer County. More specifically, Hamilton admitted to selling hydromorphone pills to an individual he now knows was a confidential informant. Hamilton admitted that the informant would call another member of the DTO who would direct the informant to meet Hamilton or other members of the DTO at a specific location. That location was a trailer park in Princeton where the other member owned several trailers. When the informant arrived, Hamilton sold hydromorphone on at least two separate occasions. 

The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Southern Regional Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, which is composed of officers from the West Virginia State Police, the Mercer County Sheriff’s Department, the Princeton Police Department and the Bluefield Police Department.

Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Timothy D. Boggess handled the prosecution. 

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:19-cr-00307.