On Monday, the Harris County Sheriff's Office boosted a federal fugitive alert by sharing a U.S. Marshals Service wanted poster that identifies 53-year-old Erich Earl Hicks as sought on federal charges in the District of North Dakota. Authorities say Hicks faces counts that include conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and the shared notice includes a 2014 photo along with his physical description. Officials emphasized that members of the public should not try to detain Hicks and instead contact federal marshals with any information.
The sheriff’s Facebook post lists Hicks’s date of birth as March 13, 1972, and describes him as a 5'11", 250-pound white male with blue eyes and brown hair, according to the Harris County Sheriff's Office. The notice also states that Hicks has ties to Lewis County and Toledo, Washington, and reports he was seen in Bismarck, North Dakota, on Aug. 6, 2015. A photo included with the alert is dated Feb. 10, 2014.
The U.S. Marshals Service has also circulated the wanted poster and lists a firearms charge among the accusations, according to the U.S. Marshals Service. The agency directs tipsters to its reporting tools and the USMS Tips portal, asking that any information be sent through the tip app or by calling 1-877-WANTED2 (1-877-926-8332), per U.S. Marshals Service guidance.
What the poster says
The wanted poster notes that Hicks has an employment history in Harris County and lists multiple places of origin, while warning that he should not be approached if spotted. The images provide several angles to help with identification and call out distinguishing features intended to assist investigators. Law enforcement asks that any credible sightings or leads be relayed to federal marshals rather than handled by private citizens.
Why the U.S. Marshals seek public tips
The U.S. Marshals Service leads interagency fugitive task forces that partner with state and local agencies to track down people wanted on federal warrants, and the agency routinely uses public notices to drum up tips and leads, according to U.S. Marshals Service information. Those task forces make thousands of arrests each year and frequently coordinate with county sheriff's offices on long-running cases. Public tips are a key tool when suspects have lived in or traveled through multiple states.
Legal implications
If prosecutors move forward with the charges listed on the poster, Hicks could face significant federal penalties. Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance is charged under 21 U.S.C. § 846, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon is prohibited under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g), statutes that carry substantial prison terms upon conviction.
Anyone with information about Hicks is asked to contact the U.S. Marshals tipline at 1-877-WANTED2 (1-877-926-8332) or use the USMS Tips portal, and not to approach or attempt to detain him. The sheriff's office and federal marshals say they will investigate credible leads and coordinate with other agencies as needed.
