INDIANAPOLIS — An Anderson man was sentenced to 130 months in federal prison for trafficking guns, crack cocaine, and methamphetamine out of his home.
Richard Hatchet, 46, was sentenced after pleading guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, distribution of cocaine, distribution of meth, and carrying a firearm in relation to a drug trafficking crime.
“Even after serving a sentence for murder, this defendant has shown his utter unwillingness to abide by the law. Violent, armed drug traffickers are a menace to our community, and must be held accountable,” said Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana.
According to court documents, on three occasions in January 2023, Hatchett sold approximately 9.8 grams of cocaine outside of his home. During two transactions, Hatchett also sold two 9mm semiautomatic handguns. One of the firearms sold by Hatchett was previously stolen. On the third occasion, Hatchett carried a Glock 9mm handgun in waistband, which is prohibited as a convicted felon under state and federal law. During this same time, Hatchett also sold around 14.92 grams of meth.
On February 2023, agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives executed a search warrant at Hatchett's home. They located two guns, high-capacity magazines, micro conversion kits, ammunition, crack cocaine, a digital scale, US currency, and other drug paraphernalia.
Hatchet had previous felony convictions, including murder and burglary in Illinois. Hatchett committed the murder when he was 15. He has spent the majority of his life in prison, on probation, or on parole.
“Our office is committed to working closely with our partners at the ATF, Anderson Police, and throughout federal, state, and local law enforcement to make our communities safer by investigating and prosecuting repeat, violent criminals. Thanks to their efforts, the public will be safe from further crimes by this man for many years.”
Hatchet will also serve four years of supervised release.