Reginald Dewayne McKenzie
A Chattanooga cocaine dealer, who said he did it to support his seven kids, was ordered Monday to serve 10 years in federal prison.
Reginald Dewayne McKenzie, who is originally from Atlanta and whose family is there, appeared before Judge Sandy Mattice.
His attorney, Anthony Martinez of the Federal Defender's Office, said McKenzie finished high school and some college.
His children are from 5-17, McKenzie said.
McKenzie, 35, said his 12-year-old son has kidney failure, and he wanted to know if he can donate a kidney while in prison. Judge Mattice said that would be up to prison authorities.
The investigation began in April 2014 when Chattanooga Police were told that McKenzie was dealing crack cocaine.
On July 2, a search warrant was executed at his house. McKenzie tried to flee out the back door, but was caught with 188.7 grams of powder cocaine and $504 in cash.
A search of the kitchen produced 85.1 grams of crack cocaine along with digital scales, plastic baggies, baking soda and a Pyrodex dish.
In the dining room was a 9mm pistol loaded with 15 rounds of ammunition. A loaded revolver was also found in the house along with $5,980 in cash.
McKenzie admitted getting nine ounces of powder cocaine every two weeks from a source in Atlanta. He converted it to crack cocaine himself.
He said he bought the guns off the street for protection because the Rollin' 60s street gang was threatening to rob him.
On Aug. 14, 2014, McKenzie was still selling drugs. Police made a controlled buy from him, then followed him to the Guest House Inn. He went into room #204.
He was followed to the Bi-Lo at Shallowford and Lee Highway where he was observed conducting a drug transaction.
Back in his room, detectives found $4,601 in cash, including $400 in marked money from the controlled buy. There was 2.3 grams of crack cocaine and paraphernalia to make crack cocaine. He had $319 in his pants pocket.