United States v. Hodge, 1:25-cr-00091

Alcedo Hodge Jr. was indicted in the District of Maryland based on conduct observed between December 2024 and March 2025.
The indictment alleges that Hodge conspired to distribute at least five kilograms of cocaine, a Schedule II drug.
On March 17, 2025, Hodge was found in possession of at least five kilograms of cocaine and two semi-automatic firearms.
Hodge is charged under 21 U.S.C. §§ 846 and 841 for conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute, and under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) for firearm possession during a drug trafficking crime.
The government seeks the forfeiture of property, including cash, vehicles, and firearms, allegedly tied to the offenses.
The indictment includes provisions for substitute asset forfeiture if the identified property cannot be located or recovered.

Issue	Plaintiff's Argument	Defendant's Argument	Held
Whether Hodge conspired to distribute cocaine	Hodge engaged in a multi-person conspiracy to traffic cocaine	Hodge did not knowingly join or participate in a conspiracy	Indictment alleges sufficient facts for charge.
Whether Hodge possessed cocaine with intent to distribute	Hodge knowingly possessed a significant quantity of cocaine for distribution	Hodge lacked knowledge or intent to distribute	Indictment alleges facts sufficient for charge.
Whether Hodge possessed firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking	Firearms were present and used to facilitate drug trafficking	Firearms were not connected to drug activity	Indictment supports charging under § 924(c).
Whether property is forfeitable under criminal and civil forfeiture statutes	All property connected to offenses is subject to forfeiture	Property not sufficiently connected to crimes for forfeiture	Indictment establishes basis for seeking forfeiture.