United States of America v. Zecki Halum

Tampa, Florida criminal defense lawyer represented the Defendant charged with Conspiracy Involving Over 100 Kilograms Of Marijuana

Tampa Fugitive Sentenced To Federal Prison For Conspiracy Involving Over 100 Kilograms Of Marijuana

U.S. District Judge Charlene Honeywell has sentenced Zecki Halum (41, Tampa) to three years and five months in federal prison for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute over 100 kilograms of marijuana. Halum pleaded guilty on July 24, 2024.



According to court records, in August 2009, the Drug Enforcement Administration received information that a recreational vehicle (RV) would be used to transport a significant quantity of marijuana from Arizona to the Middle District of Florida. Agents surveilled and tracked the RV as Halum's co-conspirator drove the RV to Florida. During the cross-country trip, the driver maintained daily phone contact with Halum. When the RV arrived in Tampa, Halum and another co-conspirator met the driver. They then traveled to a church parking lot in Crystal Springs, where they planned to unload the marijuana from the RV. At that time, agents arrested Halum and the co-conspirators. Agents searched the RV and recovered more than 100 kilograms of marijuana packaged in bales and wrapped in a manner consistent with drug trafficking.



In February 2010, Halum failed to appear for court while his case was pending trial. Halum fled the country and remained a fugitive for nearly 15 years before surrendering to authorities.



This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeff Chang and Kelley Howard-Allen.