NEWPORT-James Alfred "Red" Sisk, 46, one of 23 people indicted recently in what law officials named the "Trading Paint" investigation, became the first member of that group to reach a plea agreement earlier last week.

Sisk, charged with conducting a racketeering enterprise, faces up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. No court date has been set.

Sisk and others were arrested as a result of a probe into what officials named the "Hawk Organization."

Others arrested in the probe included Raymond Eddie Hawk, 55, and brothers Grant Williams, 33, and Marty Williams, 31.

The group allegedly stole numerous cars and trucks from area parking lots, such as those at the University of Tennessee, the Bristol Motor Speedway, and Dollywood. Some face charges of drug trafficking.

According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Neil Smith, Sisk's plea agreement was filed in U. S. District Court last week.

A plea hearing, scheduled for March 22, 2010, has been scheduled for Sisk. At that time, he will formally enter a plea.

Other people charged in the investigation who have filed pleas include Kimberly Atkins, Brian Askew, Jimmy James, and Joshua Burgin. Askew and James's plea hearings have been set for early next year.