In order to transport a 900-pound Virginia man to court, a federal judge has approved a plan that could involve cutting out a wall of the man’s home.
Kenneth Hicks, 48, from Emporia, is scheduled to plead guilty in a cocaine conspiracy case on Monday.
For a previous court date in March, Hicks was allowed to appear on a video link, but he requested help from authorities to get him to the U.S. District Court in Richmond for Monday, the Richmond Times-Dispatch reported.
Last week, U.S. Magistrate Judge David Novak approved the unusual plan to get Hicks to the courthouse in a way that protects his health, safety and dignity.
The plan will have officials and medical personnel assess any medical issues Hicks may have and, depending on his weight, he could be carried out of his dwelling — attached to the rear of a mobile home — on a stretcher.
DOJ dangles massive signing bonuses for lawyers ready to fight ‘lawless’ cities far beyond DC
Rubio heads to Rome amid Trump’s unpopular feud with Pope Leo
Dem representative admits to working with Mexico to sneak oil into Cuba, despite blockade
Merz ends first year as most unpopular German chancellor in post-war history
US Forces Strike as Iranian-Flagged Vessel Attempts to Violate Blockade
Cole Allen’s alleged Trump assassination attempt may have been driven by Iran war: intel report
DHS blasts Minnesota board for unanimously pardoning illegal immigrant convicted of 3 assaults
Man Charged for Allegedly Shooting at Secret Service Agents on JD Vance Motorcade Route
Cory Booker Admits Dems Are Coming for Supreme Court if They Win Midterms
Obama branded ‘classless moron’ for AG jab at Trump as ‘wingman’ comments resurface
Dem House candidate faces authenticity questions after kitchen table ad omits $1.6M estate
Student Injured in Apparent ‘Targeted’ Incident at Campus ‘Israel Fest’
Streamer Clavicular facing criminal charges after shooting alligator
North Korea drops reunification goal from constitution after 70 years
Illegal immigrant case spirals into controversy after ill-timed press release
“The FBI and U.S. Marshals may determine that it is necessary to open a large hole in the wall of the structure in order to facilitate the use of a device capable of lifting the defendant’s weight,” the request, which was approved by the judge, said.
“This procedure may also require the removal of the ramp near his doorway, and trees on the property. This procedure may require the bracing of the floor, and the removal of parts of the ceiling structure as well,” the request continued. “All steps will be taken to minimize damage and protect the defendant’s property.”
According to court papers, the conspiracy to distribute occurred from 2013 to 2017 and if he pleads guilty on Monday, Hicks will be arrested and taken to a secure medical facility, according to the outlet.
Story cited here.
