Eastern District of North Carolina
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Greenville Man Sentenced for Drug DistributionRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announced that today in federal court, Chief United States District Judge James C. Dever III sentenced CHICOBE ANTRELL WILLIAMS, 33, of Greenville, North Carolina to 151 months imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised release.
WILLIAMS was named in an Indictment filed on April 11, 2017 charging him with four counts of distribution of a quantity of cocaine base (crack). On January 8, 2018, WILLIAMS pled guilty to one count of distribution of a quantity of cocaine base (crack).
According to the investigation, in October 2015, investigators with the Greenville Police Department and agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation began investigating the narcotics distribution activity of WILLIAMS. A confidential informant was utilized to make four controlled purchases of cocaine base (crack) from WILLIAMS. WILLIAMS utilized others to assist in his narcotics distribution. In addition to the controlled purchases, WILLIAMS was arrested with crack in his possession.
Investigation of this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Greenville Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Dena King represented the government.
Sampson County Man Sentenced to More than 17 Years in Prison for RobberyRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announced that today in federal court, Chief United States District Judge James C. Dever, III sentenced JAMES DANIEL MCKOY, 54 from Garland, North Carolina, to 210 months in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release. JAMES MCKOY was part of a violent drug trafficking organization operating in Sampson County. On February 5, 2018, JAMES MCKOY pled guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess With Intent to Distribute 5 Kilograms of More of Cocaine, 280 Grams of More of Cocaine Base (Crack), a Quantity of Marijuana, and a Quantity of Heroin; three-counts of Distribution of a Quantity of Cocaine Base while Aiding and Abetting Another; Distribution of a Quantity of Cocaine Base; Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug-Trafficking Crime; two-counts of Distribution of 28 Grams or More of Cocaine Base while Aiding and Abetting Another; and Distribution of 28 Grams or More of Cocaine Base and a Quantity of Heroin while Aiding and Abetting Another.
In December 2013, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Sampson County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) in Clinton, North Carolina, identified a drug-trafficking organization (DTO) led by Antonio Kevin McKoy. This investigation confirmed that within the Eastern District of North Carolina, the DTO distributed significant quantities of marijuana, cocaine, cocaine base (crack), heroin, prescription pain pills, and firearms throughout Eastern North Carolina from at least 2007 until late September 2016. Antonio McKoy utilized dozens of individuals, including his uncle, JAMES MCKOY, to build and sustain this DTO’s operation. Antonio McKoy was convicted in Federal Court on May 22, 2018 following a jury trial and is currently awaiting sentencing.
The investigation utilized a myriad of techniques and tools to gather extensive evidence about the DTO. The collected evidence confirmed Antonio McKoy maintained multiple residences in the Garland, North Carolina, area from where cocaine, crack, heroin, methamphetamine, and prescription pills were stored, packaged, distributed or supplied to others for distribution. These residences were also utilized to manufacture cocaine into crack. JAMES MCKOY’S residence in Garland was utilized for these purposes.
The investigation determined the JAMES MCKOY was accountable for a total of 226.8 grams of marijuana, 31.5 grams of cocaine, 912.395 grams of crack and 225.2 grams of heroin. He is also accountable for possession of a firearm in furtherance of his drug trafficking activity.
The case is a federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) criminal matter being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the Sampson County Sheriff’s Office, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, U.S. Probation Office, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation and the North Carolina Departments of Revenue and Emergency Management. Assistant United States Attorneys Brad Knott and Toby Lathan prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.
Raleigh Man Sentenced for Manufacturing Xanax in Storage Unit and Several Other ChargesRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Robert J. Higdon, Jr., announced that today in federal court, Chief United States District Judge James C. Dever, III sentenced MATTHEW LEE YENSAN, 25, of Raleigh, to 78 months of imprisonment followed by 5 years of supervised release.
January 23, 2018, YENSAN pled guilty to a five-count Criminal Information, specifically Possession with the Intent to Distribute a Quantity of Alprazolam, a Schedule IV Controlled Substance, Distribution of a Quantity of Alprazolam by Means of the Internet, Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime, Engaging in a Monetary Transaction in Property Derived From Specified Unlawful Activity, and International Money Laundering.
In July 2017, DEA agents in Raleigh received information that YENSAN was mass producing Xanax by utilizing pill presses, and selling them on the Dark Net. The Dark Net is a section of the internet that is accessed through a special browser required to locate hidden websites. The browser obfuscates the user’s identity, making it a haven for illegal activity, to include drug distribution. Through continued investigation, agents identified YENSAN’S Raleigh residence, as well as a nearby storage unit being utilized by YENSAN.
Based upon their investigation, agents served a search warrant on September 12, 2017 of YENSAN’S residence and recovered the following items: Four loaded firearms, $269,068, multiple Bitcoin wallets, 480 grams of marijuana and other items associated with illegal drug distribution.
On that same date, agents seized the following items from YENSAN’S storage unit, where YENSAN had set up a clandestine pill manufacturing plant: approximately 80,000 dosage unit of Xanax; the ingredients needed to manufacture approximately 300,000 dosage units of Xanax to include two to three pounds of Alprazolam; a computer, the browser of which was open to the Dark Net; and multiple items associated with illegal manufacturing and distribution. Later agents used computer forensic tools to discover that YENSAN possessed approximately $1,489,235.000 in virtual currency.
The investigation uncovered that YENSAN also engaged in money laundering using U.S. currency derived from his drug trafficking activities. YENSAN sent $1,200 in U.S. currency to the Postal Savings Bank of China in Yongkang, China, to purchase pill presses and Xanax molds in an act of international money laundering.
The defendant possessed multiple firearms in connection with his drug trafficking activities and maintained a premises for the purpose of manufacturing or distributing a controlled substance. He obstructed justice by attempting to procure another person to conceal evidence material to the investigation. Lastly, the defendant distributed a controlled substance through mass-marketing by means of an interactive computer service, by utilizing a vendor page on the Dark Net to advertise and sell quantities of Xanax.
The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Wake County Sheriff’s Office and the Postal Inspection Service.
Smithfield Man Sentenced to 15 Years for Felon in Possession ChargeRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Robert J. Higdon, Jr., announced that today, Chief Judge James C. Dever, III, sentenced AFRIES SANDONICAES MAHAM, 34, of Smithfield, North Carolina, to 180 months imprisonment followed by 5 years of supervised release.
MAHAM was named in an Indictment on August 22, 2017 charging him with Possession of a Firearm by a Felon. On January 8, 2018, MAHAM pled guilty to that charge.
On February 20, 2017, officers with the Smithfield Police Department (SPD) responded to a domestic call at a home in Smithfield. As officers were approaching the residence, a female exited the home and met the officers. She appeared upset, but had no visible signs of injury. One of the officers then knocked on the door of the residence and her boyfriend answered. Immediately officers noticed an odor of marijuana emanating from his person. When questioned by officers, he admitted to smoking marijuana, but maintained there was no marijuana in the residence.
During a subsequent search of the residence, officers detected a strong odor of marijuana coming from an upstairs bedroom. Officers knocked on the door of the bedroom and asked the occupants of the room to exit. MAHAM and a female came out of the bedroom. A search of the room uncovered approximately 0.5 gram of marijuana in a plastic bag, a partially burned marijuana cigarette in an ashtray, and a stolen .38 caliber revolver. The female acknowledged ownership of the glass smoking pipe; however, MAHAM advised that the gun belonged to him. MAHAM admitted that he was a convicted felon and should not have a firearm in his possession.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
In support of PSN, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina has implemented the Take Back North Carolina Initiative. This initiative emphasizes the regional assignment of federal prosecutors to work with law enforcement and District Attorney’s Offices on a sustained basis in those communities to reduce the violent crime rate, drug trafficking, and crimes against law enforcement.
The investigation of this case was conducted by the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office, Smithfield Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF). Assistant United States Attorney S. Katherine Burnette handled the prosecution of this case for the government.
LaGrange Farmer Sentenced for Crop Insurance Fraud, Fraudulent Federal Crop Disaster Claims, Aggravated Identity Theft and Conspiracy to Commit Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announced that in federal court today, Chief United States District Judge James C. Dever III sentenced JAMES TRUMAN WIGGINS, JR.¸68, of LaGrange, North Carolina to 25 months of imprisonment to be followed by 5 years of supervised release. In addition the court ordered WIGGINS to pay restitution in the amount of $5,669,891.00 and he is excluded from participating in any federal crop insurance programs for 5 years. The court also ordered forfeiture in the amount of $5,600,433.00.
WIGGINS previously pleaded guilty to a Criminal Information charging him with conspiracy to commit various offenses against the United States, false statements to the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation, material false statements to the Farm Service Agency, aggravated identity theft, and conspiracy to commit money laundering.
According to the Criminal Information, WIGGINS and other persons worked together to defraud the United States of America, through the filing of false federal crop insurance claims and false federal crop disaster relief claims, to structure transactions to evade reporting requirements, and to engage in various financial transactions to conceal the fraud. The conspirators owned and rented farmland in Lenoir, Wayne, and Greene Counties, and produced, among other crops, tobacco, corn, wheat, and soybeans. The conspirators hid some or all of their tobacco and/or grain productions by selling it in nominee names or for cash to a co-conspiring tobacco warehouseman and grain dealers. The conspirators profited under the scheme because they were paid twice for each pound of tobacco or bushel of grain: once through the false crop insurance claim, and also through the sale of the hidden crop. WIGGINS used nominee names, as well as a stolen identity, to conceal the sale of the crops. WIGGINS also submitted the false production data in connection with his federal crop disaster claim, thereby getting disaster relief monies to which he was not entitled. At one point, WIGGINS created a fictitious entity, fabricated sale bills, and submitted those records to his insurance company in order to obtain better coverage for his crops.
Between 2007 and 2011, WIGGINS and his conspirators collectively filed false claims in excess of $5.6 million. The conspirators, among other things, paid farming expenses and outstanding loan balances with the proceeds from their criminal conduct.
Mr. Higdon commented: “Put very simply, this defendant stole more than $5 million from the taxpayers of this State and this Country. This type of crime is what undermines the solvency of our federal programs and deprives those who need the funds of that support. I want to commend the investigators who have pursued these cases for so long. Their effort to protect the public’s money is key to the success of programs like the Federal Crop Insurance Program.”
"Today's sentencing is a direct result of the excellent partnership the IRS, USDA and the U.S. Attorney’s office has in combating violations of Federal law. With both law enforcement and financial investigation expertise, our agents are uniquely qualified to investigate not only tax crimes but all other related financial crimes. The sentence Wiggin’s received is a testament to the investigative team’s hard work and commitment and should serve as a deterrent to those who might contemplate similar fraudulent actions," said Matthew D. Line, Special Agent in Charge of the IRS, Criminal Investigation, Charlotte Field Office.
The charges in this case stem from the on-going, multi-target crop insurance fraud investigation in the Eastern District of North Carolina. To date, the office has prosecuted 48 other farmers, agents, and/or adjusters for similar criminal conduct.
Investigation of this case was conducted by the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigations; the United States Department of Agriculture - Office of Inspector General, Investigations; and the United States Department of Agriculture - Risk Management Agency, Special Investigations Branch. Assistant United States Attorney Banumathi Rangarajan is handling the prosecution on behalf to the Eastern District of North Carolina.
Federal Jury Convicts Three Sampson County Members of a Violent Drug Trafficking OrganizationRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Robert J. Higdon, Jr., announced that, ANTONIO KEVIN MCKOY, 31, of Garland, NC, TONY CHEVALLIER, 31, of Turkey, NC, and JABARR RYEHEINE RUDOLPH, 38, of Clinton, NC were convicted in Federal Court following a seven day jury trial before Chief United States District Judge James C. Dever, III. The jury found all three men guilty of Conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute significant quantities of multiple controlled substances, including methamphetamine, heroin, crack cocaine and cocaine, and "Molly". Additional convictions were sustained for the distribution of various controlled substances and multiple firearm related charges.
The investigation giving rise to the charges faced at trial began in 2013. Multiple and extensive investigative techniques were utilized throughout this case. The evidence presented at trial detailed a significant drug trafficking organization (“DTO”) that was built and lead by ANTONIO MCKOY. The DTO maintained contacts with individuals throughout the Southeastern United States who supplied the drugs sold primarily within Eastern North Carolina. In addition to trafficking drugs, the DTO maintained a sophisticated apparatus that was used to launder the proceeds derived from drug sales. The evidence presented at trial showed a trucking company that MCKOY started in early 2016 was used to conceal the money collected in the drug business.
The case is a federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) criminal matter being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the Sampson County Sheriff’s Office, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, U.S. Probation Office, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation and the North Carolina Departments of Revenue and Emergency Management. Assistant United States Attorneys Brad Knott and Toby Lathan prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.
Roanoke Rapids Man Sentenced for Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking CrimeRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Robert J. Higdon, Jr., announced that today in federal court, United States District Judge Terrance W. Boyle sentenced MICHAEL RAKIM BELFIELD, 30, of Roanoke Rapids to 144 months of imprisonment followed by 5 years of supervised release.
BELFIELD was named in a three-count Indictment filed on December 13, 2016. On May 9, 2017, BELFIELD pled guilty to one-count of Possession of a Firearm by Convicted Felon and one-count of Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug-Trafficking Crime.
The investigation began in 2015 when the Roanoke Rapids Police Department received information that BELFIELD was selling cocaine at his residence in Roanoke Rapids. A confidential source (CS) made three controlled purchases of cocaine from BELFIELD at his residence.
On April 16, 2015, officers with the Halifax City/County Drug Task Force executed a search warrant at BELFIELD’S residence, where BELFIELD was present. BELFIELD informed officers that a firearm was in his bedroom. Officers subsequently located a .40 caliber handgun loaded with 13 rounds of ammunition, 38 bindles of heroin inside the ammunition box, .5 gram of crack cocaine, a digital scale with white powder residue, razor blade with white powder residue, and plastic baggies from BELFIELD’S bedroom.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
In support of PSN, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina has implemented the Take Back North Carolina Initiative. This initiative emphasizes the regional assignment of federal prosecutors to work with law enforcement and District Attorney’s Offices on a sustained basis in those communities to reduce the violent crime rate, drug trafficking, and crimes against law enforcement.
The Roanoke Rapids Police Department, Halifax County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the North Carolina Crime Laboratory conducted the criminal investigation of this case. Assistant United States Attorney S. Katherine Burnette handled the prosecution of this case for the government.
Alien Sentenced for Unlawful Possession of a Firearm and Judicially Ordered Deported to MexicoRead the Press Release
GREENVILLE – Robert J. Higdon, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, announces that JOSE HERNANDEZ-RAMIREZ, age 31, of Mexico, illegally present in the United States and residing in Edgecombe County, North Carolina, was sentenced today to 12 months and one day in federal prison, after a February 5, 2018 guilty plea to one count of illegal and unlawful alien in possession of a firearm. According to court records, HERNANDEZ-RAMIREZ discharged the firearm into an occupied dwelling.
HERNANDEZ-RAMIREZ was sentenced in Greenville by Senior United States District Court Judge Malcolm J. Howard who in addition to the term of incarceration also issued a judicial order of deportation ordering the defendant’s prompt removal from the United States to Mexico upon release from federal custody.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Tarboro Police Department.
Wilson Man Sentenced After Conviction of Felon in Possession ChargeRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Robert J. Higdon, Jr., announced that today, MAURICE MONTRAE PARKS, 36, of Wilson, was sentenced by Senior United States District Judge W. Earl Britt for one count of Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Judge Britt sentenced PARKS to 90 months imprisonment followed by 3 years of supervised release.
PARKS was convicted after a three-day jury trial on February 7, 2018. The evidence at trial showed that shortly after midnight on September 5, 2015, PARKS was seen banging on the door of a residence in Wilson while holding a firearm. After a neighbor called 911, Officers of The Wilson Police Department arrived, and PARKS fled the scene in his car. During the brief chase, PARKS took several turns along residential streets and cut through the lawn of a vacant home that sat at the corner of an intersection. A pursuing officer observed PARKS’ vehicle stop briefly beside that vacant home. PARKS drove back to the street where he had been seen with the gun and jumped and ran from his car. Police apprehended PARKS on the driveway of the house whose resident had placed the 911 call. Officers returned to the vacant home that PARKS had driven around and found a Ruger Mini-14 rifle lying in the grass. The firearm was near fresh tire marks in the yard and in the area where PARKS had momentarily stopped his car.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
In support of PSN, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina has implemented the Take Back North Carolina Initiative. This initiative emphasizes the regional assignment of federal prosecutors to work with law enforcement and District Attorney’s Offices on a sustained basis in those communities to reduce the violent crime rate, drug trafficking, and crimes against law enforcement.
The investigation of this case was conducted by the Wilson Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF). Assistant United States Attorney Jake D. Pugh represented the government in this case.
Goldsboro Man Arrested for Distribution of Fentanyl Which Resulted in DeathRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Robert J. Higdon, Jr., announces that DONTE TERRILL KORNEGAY, A/K/A “BOSTON,” was arrested yesterday, May 24, 2018.
KORNEGAY was named in an Indictment filed on May 22, 2018, charging him with distribution of fentanyl resulting in serious bodily injury and death, and conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute heroin and fentanyl. If convicted of the distribution of fentanyl resulting in death charge, he would face a minimum term of imprisonment of 20 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life, a $1,000,000 fine, and a term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
Mr. Higdon commented: “The United States Justice Department and the United States Attorneys’s Office are aggressively pursuing distributors of heroin and fentanyl. These drugs pose a serious danger to the people of Eastern North Carolina and we intend to remove that danger as part of our effort to “Take Back North Carolina” from the drug traffickers and violent criminals.”
The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Investigation of this case is being conducted by the Onslow County Sheriff’s Office with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Wilmington Resident Office. Assistant United States Attorney Lawrence J. Cameron is representing the government.
Fayetteville Men Sentenced to Lengthy Prison Terms for Hobbs Act Robberies and Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
NEW BERN – The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Robert J. Higdon, Jr., announced that today, United States District Judge Louise W. Flanagan sentenced CALVIN JAMAL SPEARMAN, 23, of Fayetteville to 174 months imprisonment, followed by 5 years of supervised release and DONTRELL LAMAR WRIGHT, 24, of Fayetteville to 229 months imprisonment, followed by 5 years of supervised release.
The defendants were named in a seven count Indictment on September 21, 2017. On December 14, 2017, SPEARMAN pled guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Hobbs Act Robbery and to Brandishing a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence and Aiding and Abetting. On February 20, 2018, WRIGHT pled guilty to the same charges.
On January 5, 2017, officers with the Hope Mills Police Department (HMPD) responded to a reported robbery at a Subway restaurant (Subway) located at 3020 Main Street, Hope Mills, North Carolina. During the robbery, two males, later determined to be WRIGHT and SPEARMAN entered the business just prior to closing. The first to enter the business went into the bathroom. A few seconds later, another male entered the business, locked the front door behind him, put on a mask, then brandished a semiautomatic handgun. The other male then emerged from the bathroom with his face covered. WRIGHT and SPEARMAN subsequently jumped the counter and removed $350 from the register. WRIGHT and SPEARMAN forced the two employees to lie down behind the counter and ordered the employees to “stay down for ten minutes,” and stole the phone from one of the employee’s prior to fleeing the scene.
On January 15, 2017, officers with the Fayetteville Police Department (FPD) responded to a reported robbery at the Subway located at 3771 Ramsey Street, in Fayetteville. Officers determined that two males wearing hoodies and gloves (WRIGHT and SPEARMAN), one armed with a semiautomatic handgun, entered the business. A Subway employee recognized that a robbery was about to be committed and ran from the business. WRIGHT and SPEARMAN pursued the male employee and brought him back to the business at gunpoint. Once back inside, both employees were forced to lie on the ground. WRIGHT and SPEARMAN then took a cash deposit and money from the register totaling $974, demanded the employees to lie on the ground for ten minutes, and then fled the scene.
On January 21, 2017, officers with the FPD responded to a reported robbery at the Pizza Hut restaurant located at 3069 Boone Trail in Fayetteville. Officers determined that two males wearing hoodies (WRIGHT and SPEARMAN), one armed with a semiautomatic handgun with an extended magazine, had entered the business and robbed it of $1,196.95. During the robbery, WRIGHT or SPEARMAN ordered one employee to the ground, while the other approached another employee in the kitchen and ordered him/her to take him (WRIGHT or SPEARMAN) to the manager. Thereafter, WRIGHT or SPEARMAN ordered that employee to the ground and instructed the manager to take him to the safe. At gunpoint, WRIGHT or SPEARMAN subsequently had the manager open the safe and cash registers from which he took $1,196.95. WRIGHT or SPEARMAN also took an employee’s and the manager’s cell phones. Before leaving, SPEARMAN or WRIGHT ordered the employees to “stay down for ten minutes” and then fled the scene.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
In support of PSN, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina has implemented the Take Back North Carolina Initiative. This initiative emphasizes the regional assignment of federal prosecutors to work with law enforcement and District Attorney’s Offices on a sustained basis in those communities to reduce the violent crime rate, drug trafficking, and crimes against law enforcement.
The investigation of this case was conducted by the Hope Mills Police Department, the Fayetteville Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF). Assistant United States Attorney James J. Kurosad handled the prosecution of this case for the government.
Fayetteville Man Sentenced After Conviction for Operation Illegal Gambling BusinessRead the Press Release
NEW BERN – The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Robert J. Higdon, Jr., announced that, KIET VO, 50, of Fayetteville, was sentenced by United States District Judge Louise W. Flanagan to 18 months imprisonment for one count of Conspiracy to Conduct an Illegal Gambling Business.
In January 2015, with the assistance of confidential informants (CIs), surveillance, and undercover operations, law enforcement established that a number of illegal gambling businesses were in operation in Cumberland County, North Carolina. Each gambling business had multiple video gaming machines (VGMs) which were owned and supplied by KIET VO and his wife, Phuong Truong. CIs identified multiple co-conspirators who operated the various gambling businesses, or would drop off and/or pick up moneyfrom each location. CIs further noted, and a co-conspirator statement later confirmed, that all of the money made by the illegal gambling operations belonged to VO, and the accounting oraudit sheets, of each machine's monetary transactions was performed by his wife. Investigation revealed that any profit from a gambling business was turned over to VO. In turn, VO would subtract the cost of the VGMs and, in some cases, pay the operating expenses of the establishment. In other cases, the operator of the establishment would be responsible for operating costs. Investigators established that the VO organization, in total, would profit between $25,000 and $60,000 per week.
Between 2015 and 2017, cooperating defendants provided multiple statements confirming the roles and responsibilities of KIET VO and his wife. Statements confirmed that VO controlled anddirected the individuals at each location including the monetary split, the number of machines, and whose name the rent and/or utility bills would be in. VO also directed multiple individuals in addition to his wife, to pick up and deliver money to and from each of the locations. Phuong Truong also directed the operators of each establishment in the collection of the money and while conducting the audits of each machine, including teaching others how to conduct the audits themselves. Additionally, KIET VO recruited other defendants and either encouraged or insisted that they open other illegal gambling businesses and/or maintain more VGMs.
Phuong Truong is scheduled to be sentenced during the July 10, 2018 term of court.
The investigation of this case was conducted by the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office and the Office of Homeland Security. Assistant United States Attorney Ethan A. Ontjes represented the government in this case.
Roseboro Man Charged with Carjacking on Interstate 95Read the Press Release
WILMINGTON– The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Robert J. Higdon, Jr., announces that a Federal grand jury in Wilmington has returned an indictment against RAYMOND LEE BRYANT, JR, of Roseboro, North Carolina. BRYANT is charged with carjacking, carrying and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to the carjacking, possession with intent to distribute marijuana and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
If convicted of these charges, BRYANT would face a statutory minimum of fifty-five years imprisonment and a term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
According to law enforcement, BRYANT, is alleged to have committed multiple carjackings on Interstate 95 in Dunn, North Carolina on May 3, 2018. BRYANT is alleged to have approached a semi-truck and trailer, forced the driver and passenger out of the truck at gunpoint after firing a round and attempted to drive the truck away. As BRYANT was backing up the truck, it jack-knifed and blocked the northbound lanes of Interstate 95. BRYANT exited the truck and attempted to carjack another semi-truck and trailer, however the driver of that truck exited the vehicle as he saw BRYANT approach, locked the door and ran. BRYANT then approached a third truck, brandished a firearm and carjacked that truck. BRYANT sped north on Interstate 95 and was later arrested by the North Carolina Highway State Patrol in Nash County.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
In support of PSN, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina has implemented the Take Back North Carolina Initiative. This initiative emphasizes the regional assignment of federal prosecutors to work with law enforcement and District Attorney’s Offices on a sustained basis in those communities to reduce the violent crime rate, drug trafficking, and crimes against law enforcement.
The charge and allegations contained in the Indictment are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the North Carolina State Highway Patrol and the Harnett County Sheriff’s Office investigated this case.
Raleigh Man Sentenced to More Than 21 Years for Manufacturing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Robert J. Higdon, Jr., announced that today in federal court, Chief United States District Judge James C. Dever, III sentenced ADAM GEOFFREY FRANKEL, 33, of Cary, North Carolina, to 295 months of imprisonment followed by ten years of supervised release for production of multiple videos containing child pornography.
FRANKEL was named in a twelve-count Superseding Indictment on September 8, 2017. On December 11, 2017, FRANKEL pled guilty pursuant to a plea agreement to manufacturing child pornography.
In October of 2014 Cary Police Department began an online investigation relating to the distribution and receipt of child pornography through file sharing programs. During the course of the investigation, FRANKEL was identified downloading and distributing child pornography from an IP address associated with his home. A search warrant was issued for FRANKLE’s home and law enforcement seized multiple computers, external hard drives, cellular phones and media storage devices. The forensic examination of the items collected contained multiple videos created by FRANKEL, he communicated with underage females and solicited them to perform sexual acts on video. The forensic examination also uncovered the defendant’s collection of child pornography of a least 136,350 images.
In addition to the prison sentence, FRANKEL agreed to the forfeiture of his residence located on Belrose Drive in Cary along with several pieces of computer equipment, all of which were used to commit the charged offense.
Mr. Higdon commented: “The twenty-one and a half year sentence imposed by the Court certainly matches the horrible nature of the crime in this case. This defendant victimized several children with his production of pornography as well as his distribution and receipt of an incredible volume of pornography produced by others. This sentence should be a warning to others engaged in this horrendous conduct – we will not tolerate the victimization of our children and we will seek lengthy sentences as punishment for this behavior and as a means of ensuring you cannot prey upon others.”
This case was part of the Project Safe Childhood initiative, a national program aimed at ensuring that criminals exploiting children are effectively prosecuted by making full use of all available law enforcement resources at every level. For more information about this important national project, Project Safe Childhood, go to www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
The Cary Police Department conducted the criminal investigation of this case. Assistant United States Attorney Melissa Belle Kessler handled the prosecution of this case for the United States.
Raleigh Man Sentenced for Receipt and Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Robert J. Higdon, Jr., announced that in federal court, Chief United States District Judge James C. Dever, III sentenced STEPHEN GLENN BATTS, 48, of Raleigh, North Carolina, to 151 months of imprisonment followed by 10 years of supervised release.
BATTS was named in a ten-count Indictment on September 8, 2017. On January 23, 2018, BATTS pled guilty to nine counts of Receipt of Child Pornography and one-count of Possession of Child Pornography.
In December 2016, a detective with the Cary Police Department, conducted an online investigation looking for offenders sharing child pornography. The investigation focused on an Internet Protocol (IP) because it was sharing known images of child pornography. The detective located files being shared by this IP address. Officers connected to the target computer and downloaded 735 files. A review of those files showed that 598 were child pornography while the other were child erotic in nature but not sexual conduct. The majority of the 598 files downloaded by investigators were of sexual acts with infants, toddlers, and children under 6 years old. This information was relayed to Homeland Security Investigations in Raleigh for further investigation. Further along in the investigation, agents identified the address associated with that IP address and obtained a search warrant.
On February 1, 2017, a search warrant was executed by agents at BATTS’ residence. BATTS was present at the time of the search. During their search, investigators found several computer devices belonging to BATTS. BATTS provided a statement to agents, first denying but later admitting, that he searched and downloaded child pornography from his laptop computers. BATTS advised agents that he began looking at child pornography in 2002. BATTS said he also viewed child pornography in webinars. He acknowledged that he received child pornography over the internet.
A complete forensics examination of the files obtained from BATTS’ computer devices revealed approximately 962 videos and 39,078 images of child pornography. A review of the hard drive included numerous known internet search terms associated with child pornography.
This case was part of the Project Safe Childhood initiative, a national program aimed at ensuring that criminals exploiting children are effectively prosecuted by making full use of all available law enforcement resources at every level. For more information about this important national project, Project Safe Childhood, go to www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
The Cary Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations conducted the criminal investigation of this case. Assistant United States Attorney James C. Kurosad handled the prosecution of this case for the United States.
Man Sentenced for Sex Trafficking of a MinorRead the Press Release
NEW BERN – The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Robert J. Higdon, Jr., announced today that United States District Judge Louise W. Flanagan sentenced KENNETH CORVON WARD, 39, of Wilson, North Carolina, in a sex trafficking case. WARD was sentenced to 160 months’ imprisonment followed by 5 years of supervised release. On April 11, 2017, WARD pled guilty to Sex Trafficking of a Minor and Aiding and Abetting from May 30, 2015, to December 5, 2015.
In December 2015, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Raleigh Police Department (RPD) investigated the sex trafficking of a minor. Agents identified a minor female (Victim) who was reportedly being sexually exploited by several individuals. The investigation revealed that William Maurice Saddler, previously convicted by a federal jury on November 30, 2017, began an illicit dating relationship with the Victim while she was thirteen or fourteen years old. Around 2015, when the Victim was fifteen years old, Saddler forced her to prostitute at migrant camps around Wilson, North Carolina. Among other tactics, Saddler used violence, fear, and manipulation to force the Victim to continue prostituting to support Saddler’s crack cocaine habit.
WARD was identified as Saddler’s crack supplier. Shortly after WARD and his girlfriend Yadyra Brown met the Victim around late September or early October 2015, they began prostituting her. WARD and Brown promoted the fifteen-year-old Victim by posting multiple advertisements of her on Backpage.com (Backpage). WARD and Brown took multiple photographs of the Victim for the advertisements posted on Backpage. WARD kept the money the Victim earned.
On December 5, 2015, the RPD determined that WARD and Brown were prostituting the Victim in a hotel in Garner, North Carolina. The RPD and FBI executed an operation to rescue the Victim. They found her there with Brown; WARD was observed at the hotel but fled and was later arrested.
Mr. Higdon commented: “I want to thank agents of the FBI and NCSBI and officers of the Raleigh Police Department, the Wilson Police Department and the Wilson County Sheriff’s Department for their hard work and for their commitment to fighting those who would traffic our children. This case represents just how low some among us will go to victimize others, for personal gain and for profit. Today’s 13-plus year sentence is a small comfort for the young victim but it should send a message to those who victimize our children that we will not allow it.”
Investigation of this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Raleigh Police Department, the N.C. State Bureau of Investigation, the Wilson Police Department and the Wilson County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorneys Erin C. Blondel and Eleanor Morales represented the United States.
Lumberton Man Sentenced for Possession of a Stolen Firearm and Felon in Possession ChargesRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Robert J. Higdon, Jr., announced that Chief United States District Judge James C. Dever, III sentenced MARVIN EARL BLANKS, JR., 33, of Lumberton, North Carolina, to 84 months imprisonment followed by 3 years of supervised release.
BLANKS was named in a two-count Indictment on June 15, 2017 charging him with one count of Possession of Stolen Firearms and one count of Possession of a Firearm by a Felon. On December 21, 2017, BLANKS pled guilty to those charges.
On August 12, 2016, officers of the Elizabethtown Police Department took a report as to the theft of a .38 caliber Taurus firearm. The victim advised that he had a vehicle washed earlier in the day at The Car Wash in Elizabethtown, North Carolina, and his firearm had been in the vehicle’s center console. When he looked in the center console that evening, the firearm was no longer there. Officers interviewed employees that had washed the vehicle, including BLANKS. BLANKS denied taking a firearm.
On September 8, 2016, officers with the Lumberton Police Department responded to a robbery call. The victim informed officers that he had been walking from church to the Shop & Save convenience store to get a soda when a group of individuals began yelling at him from a parking lot. On his way back to the church after visiting the store, two individuals, one later identified as BLANKS, approached the victim and began asking questions. BLANKS then pointed a gun at the victim. The victim attempted to run, but BLANKS and his accomplice caught the victim and pushed him to the ground. BLANKS pointed the gun to the victim’s head while the other man took the victim’s cellphone and money. After the robbery, the victim called 911 from the church. He advised law enforcement that he had been robbed and that he had seen BLANKS walk into the Shop & Save.
Lumberton Police Officers responded and located BLANKS inside the convenience store based on the victim’s description. Officers ordered BLANKS to place his hands on the counter and initiated a search. In BLANKS’ pocket, they found the victim’s stolen cell phone and a .38 caliber Taurus. Law enforcement transported the victim to the store, and the victim positively identified BLANKS as the one who robbed him. The Taurus handgun was identified by serial number as the same one stolen from The Car Wash on August 12, 2016, less than a month before the robbery.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
The investigation of this case was conducted by the Elizabethtown Police Department, the Lumberton Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF). Assistant United States Attorney Jake D. Pugh handled the prosecution of this case for the government.
Goldsboro Man Sentenced to More Than 21 Years for Hobbs Act Robbery and Gun ChargeRead the Press Release
NEW BERN – Robert J. Higdon, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, announced that today, DEVON WATERS, 38, of Goldsboro, was sentenced by United States District Judge Louise W. Flanagan to 261 months’ imprisonment followed by 5 years of supervised release.
WATERS was named in a three-count indictment on March 7, 2017. On November 14, 2017, WATERS pled guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Interference with Commerce by Robbery and Discharging a Firearm during and in relation to a Crime of Violence and Aiding and Abetting.
On May 9, 2016, WATERS and codefendant O’Brien Shaquille Hooker, who pled guilty and was previously sentenced to 166 months of imprisonment followed by 5 years of supervised release, committed an armed robbery at a Family Dollar located in Goldsboro, North Carolina. The men forced two employees, who were closing the business, into the store at gunpoint. Hooker brandished a firearm and ordered the employees onto the floor. WATERS then ordered one of them to open the safe. When she had difficulty, WATERS took the firearm from Hooker, fired a shot at her feet, and threatened to kill her. WATERS and Hooker stole currency totaling $800 and cigarettes. Seeing a Goldsboro Police Department (GPD) vehicle pull into the parking lot, the defendants forced an employee at gunpoint to the rear of the business, where they exited. As they fled, they fired additional shots at the pursuing officer.
WATERS and Hooker fled the scene in a vehicle driven by a third person. The vehicle drove to a residential neighborhood, where WATERS and Hooker jumped out of the vehicle and fled on foot. A GPD Officer with the K9 unit found and arrested them in a nearby backyard.
Mr. Higdon commented: “Today the Court imposed a sentence of more than 20 years on an offender who thought so little of human life that he shot at an innocent store clerk and at members of our law enforcement community over $800 and some cigarettes. This sentence should be a warning to those who would commit violent acts that we will pursue you and we will see you removed from the communities you are victimizing and terrorizing. We will ‘Take Back North Carolina’ from the violent criminals.”
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
In support of PSN, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina has implemented the Take Back North Carolina Initiative. This initiative emphasizes the regional assignment of federal prosecutors to work with law enforcement and District Attorney’s Offices on a sustained basis in those communities to reduce the violent crime rate, drug trafficking, and crimes against law enforcement.
The case was investigated by the Goldsboro Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF).
Clayton Man Sentenced for Theft of FirearmsRead the Press Release
NEW BERN – The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Robert J. Higdon, Jr., announced that yesterday, United States District Judge, Louise W. Flanagan sentenced CEDRICK JERMAINE WILLIAMS, 24, of Clayton, North Carolina, to 120 months imprisonment followed by 3 years of supervised release.
WILLIAMS was named in a four-count Superseding Indictment on August 2, 2018. On February 15, 2018, WILLIAMS pled guilty to the Theft of Firearms from a Federally Licensed Firearms Dealer.
On November 23, 2016, investigators with the Clayton Police Department (CPD), were dispatched to reports of a burglary at Trigger Happy Guns and Accessories in Clayton. Investigators determined that the perpetrator, later identified as WILLIAMS, gained access to the building by breaking the glass panes in the front door of the business. WILLIAMS initially entered the business, but soon left without taking any property. WILLIAMS returned a short time later carrying a cinderblock, which he used to break another glass window inside of the business in order to gain access to the firearms room. WILLIAMS stole five .223 caliber assault-type rifles from an unlocked gun rack on the wall and exited the business with the rifles. According to the owner of Trigger Happy Guns, each of the rifles had a 30-round magazine attached to it and there were additional 30-round magazines in close proximity to the rifles when they were stolen.
On December 21, 2016, officers with the Raleigh Police Department conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle being driven by WILLIAMS for a headlight violation. Once WILLIAMS stopped the vehicle, he exited the vehicle and fled on foot. After a brief chase, WILLIAMS was taken into custody. WILLIAMS refused to provide the officers with his name and declined to make a statement. During a search of WILLIAMS’ person, officers located an unloaded .25 caliber handgun. Additionally, the officers learned that the vehicle WILLIAMS was driving had been stolen on
December 10, 2016, and had fictitious tags attached. A search of the vehicle revealed a backpack containing WILLIAMS’ clothing and 41 pairs of sunglasses with the tags still attached.
In summary, WILLIAMS is accountable for the theft and possession of five semiautomatic firearms that had high-capacity magazines attached, as well as the possession of one handgun, for a total of six firearms. Additionally, WILLIAMS possessed stolen firearms; used or possessed the firearms in connection with another felony offense, namely, burglary; and engaged in the trafficking of firearms.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
In support of PSN, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina has implemented the Take Back North Carolina Initiative. This initiative emphasizes the regional assignment of federal prosecutors to work with law enforcement and District Attorney’s Offices on a sustained basis in those communities to reduce the violent crime rate, drug trafficking, and crimes against law enforcement.
The investigation of this case was conducted by the Clayton Police Department, the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office, the Raleigh Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF). Assistant United States Attorney Peggah Wilson handled the prosecution of this case for the government.
Wilmington Man Indicted on Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – Robert J. Higdon, Jr., the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, announces that a Federal grand jury in Raleigh has returned a five-count indictment charging Isai Sanchez, age 22, of Wilmington, North Carolina, with four counts of Receipt of Child Pornography and one count of Possession of Child Pornography.
The indictment alleges that, beginning at a time unknown and ending on May 4, 2017, Sanchez received at least four files containing visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. The indictment further alleges that on May 4, 2017, Sanchez was found to be in possession of digital media containing images and videos involving minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
If convicted of these charges, SANCHEZ would face a maximum of twenty years’ imprisonment and up to a lifetime of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
This case was part of the Project Safe Childhood initiative, a national program aimed at ensuring that criminals exploiting children are effectively prosecuted by making full use of all available law enforcement resources at every level. For more information about this important national project, Project Safe Childhood, go to www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
The charges and allegations contained in the Indictment are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
The case is being investigated by the FBI Violent Crimes Against Children Task Force comprised of the FBI, New Hanover County Sheriff's Office and the Wilington Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Jake D. Pugh is prosecuting the case for the government.
Two Aliens Indicted on Illegal Reentry ChargesRead the Press Release
WILMINGTON – Robert J. Higdon, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, announces that a federal grand jury in Wilmington has returned indictments charging EDGARDO GANDARILLA-NUNEZ, age 28, of Mexico, and RUBEN ESTRADA-MARTINEZ, age 38, of Mexico, with Illegal Reentry of a Deported Alien.
If convicted of Illegal Reentry of a Deported Alien, GANDARILLA-NUNEZ, found in Wake County, would face maximum penalties of two years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and a term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
If convicted of illegal reentry of an alien subsequent to an aggravated felony conviction (conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine), ESTRADA-MARTINEZ, found in Nash County, would face a maximum imprisonment term of twenty years, a $250,000 fine, and a term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
The charges and allegations contained in the indictments are merely accusations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
The cases are being investigated by ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations.
Raleigh Man Indicted on Bank Robbery ChargeRead the Press Release
WILMINGTON – Robert J. Higdon, Jr., the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, announces that a Federal grand jury in Raleigh has returned an indictment charging DANNIE SIMON PARKER, JR., 47, of Raleigh, with bank robbery.
If convicted of this charge, PARKER would face a statutory maximum of twenty years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and a term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
In support of PSN, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina has implemented the Take Back North Carolina Initiative. This initiative emphasizes the regional assignment of federal prosecutors to work with law enforcement and District Attorney’s Offices on a sustained basis in those communities to reduce the violent crime rate, drug trafficking, and crimes against law enforcement.
The charges and allegations contained in the Indictment are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
The case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Roanoke Rapids Police Department, and the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office.
Federal Jury Convicts Man of String of Violent Convenience Store Robberies in the TriangleRead the Press Release
GREENVILLE – The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Robert J. Higdon, Jr., announced that today, JOHN DEVERE BATTLE, 25, of Durham, was convicted in a four-day jury trial before Senior United States District Judge Malcolm J. Howard. The jury found BATTLE guilty of 12 counts including Conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act Robbery, Interference with commerce by robbery and aiding and abetting, four-counts of Brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence and aiding and abetting, Interference with commerce by robbery and aiding and abetting, Taking motor vehicle by force, violence and intimidation with intent to cause serious bodily injury, and aiding and abetting, Bank robbery and aiding and abetting, two-counts of Possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon.
The evidence at trial showed that on May 14, 2016 BATTLE and others robbed the Kangaroo gas station located at 1807 North Harrison Avenue in Cary at gunpoint. On June 15, 2016, BATTLE and others robbed the Quality Mart gas station located at 7411 Chapel Hill Road in Cary at gunpoint. On June 16, 2016, BATTLE and others committed a home invasion in Cary. During the home invasion, BATTLE and others robbed the victims at gunpoint, tied up the victims and threatened to kill them. One of the victims was pistol-whipped. BATTLE and others took one of the victims at gunpoint to a bank in Cary and forced the victim to withdraw money. The evidence also established that BATTLE was arrested on June 17, 2016 after the execution of a search warrant at a home in Wendell, NC. During the execution of the search warrant, a handgun was recovered along with numerous stolen items taken from the home invasion.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
In support of PSN, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina has implemented the Take Back North Carolina Initiative. This initiative emphasizes the regional assignment of federal prosecutors to work with law enforcement and District Attorney’s Offices on a sustained basis in those communities to reduce the violent crime rate, drug trafficking, and crimes against law enforcement.
At sentencing, currently scheduled for September 11, 2018, BATTLE faces a mandatory 82 years federal prison sentence.
The investigation of this case was conducted by the Cary Police Department, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF), Durham Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Wake County Sheriff’s Office, and Wendell Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Peggah B. Wilson and Ethan A. Ontjes represented the government in this case.
Two Aliens Indicted on Illegal Reentry ChargesRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – Robert J. Higdon, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, announces that a federal grand jury in Raleigh has returned indictments charging CARLOS MARCIAL-GONZALEZ, age 41, of Mexico, and MARVIN ROMAN DIAZ-BARDALES, age 46, of Honduras, with Illegal Reentry of a Deported Alien.
If convicted of Illegal Reentry of a Deported Alien, MARCIAL-GONZALEZ, found in Wake County, and DIAZ-BARDALES, found in Duplin County, would face maximum penalties of two years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and a term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
The charges and allegations contained in the indictments are merely accusations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
The cases are being investigated by ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations.
Attorney General Jeff Sessions and U.S. Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. Recognize Law Enforcement Service and Sacrifice During National Police WeekRead the Press Release
FBI Releases 2017 Statistics on of Law Enforcement Officers Killed and Assaulted
RALEIGH - Attorney General Jeff Sessions and the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Robert J. Higdon, Jr., recognized the service and sacrifice of federal, state, local, and tribal police officers on the occasion of National Police Week, and commented on the FBI's 2017 Law Enforcement Officers Killed and Assaulted report.
Jay Russell Memelaar, Jr., Meggan Lee Callahan, Justin James Smith, Veronica Skinner Darden and Wendy Letitia Shannon. These five names – all North Carolina law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty in 2017 - will be added to the National Law Enforement Officers Memorial wall in Washington, D.C. next week in remembrance of their service and their sacrifice.[1]
“One officer death is too many,” Attorney General Sessions said. “While we are inexpressibly grateful to have had a decrease in the number of officers killed in the line-of-duty last year, the number is still far too high. At the Department of Justice, we honor the memories of the fallen and we pray for their families. We are also following President Trump's Executive Orders to back the women and men in blue, to enhance law enforcement safety, and to reduce violent crime in America. Those priorities will help keep every American safe, including those who risk their lives for us. As always, we have their backs and they have our thanks.”
“Protecting those who protect us is one of the most important responsibilities of the United States Department of Justice.” United States Attorney Higdon said. “And, here in the Eastern District of North Carolina, we stand squarely behind law enforcement at the federal, state and local levels. We are honored to support and advise them as they work to prevent crime, to prosecute the cases they investigate as they bring offenders to justice, and to back them in every way as they seek to make our communities safer and more secure. Where their work leads them into harm’s way, we stand ready to aggressively pursue those who would commit violent acts against our law enforcement officers. It is our first priority.”
According to statistics collected by the FBI, 93 law enforcement officers were killed in line-of-duty incidents in 2017 – a 21 percent decrease from 2016 when 118 law enforcement officers were killed in line-of-duty incidents.
Additionally, in 2017 there were 46 law enforcement officers killed in line-of-duty incidents as a result of felonious acts – this is a 30 percent decrease from 2016, when 66 law enforcement officer were killed in line-of-duty incidents as a result of felonious acts.
For the full comprehensive data tables about these incidents and brief narratives describing the fatal attacks and selected assaults resulting in injury, please see the 2017 edition of Law Enforcement Officers Killed and Assaulted report, released today. See, https://ucr.fbi.gov/leoka/2017. Information about the numbers of officers killed in the line of duty during the first months of 2018 can be found at https://ucr.fbi.gov/leoka-resources.
In October 1962, Congress passed and President Kennedy signed a joint resolution declaring May 15th as National Peace Officers Memorial Day to honor law enforcement officers killed or disabled in the line of duty. The resolution also created National Police Week as an annual tribute to law enforcement service and sacrifice.
During Police Week, which is observed from Sunday, May 13 to Saturday, May 19, 2018, our nation celebrates the contributions of police officers from around the country, recognizing their hard work, dedication, loyalty and commitment in keeping our communities safe.
The names of all 93 fallen officers nationwide will be formally dedicated on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, DC, during the 30th Annual Candlelight Vigil on the evening of May 13, 2018. So that people across the country can experience this unique and powerful ceremony, the vigil will be livestreamed beginning at 8:00 p.m. EDT on May 13th. To register for this free online event, visit www.LawMemorial.org/webcast.
The Candlelight Vigil is one of many commemorative events taking place in the nation’s capital during National Police Week 2018.
For more information about other National Police Week events, please visit www.policeweek.org.
[1] The name of Zack C. Ramsey, formerly of the Cherokee County, North Carolina Sheriff’s Office, was also added. Deputy Ramsey gave his life in the line of duty on October 2, 1942. We honor his service and sacrifice as well.
Shipping Company Will Pay Million Dollar Fine for Environmental Pollution CrimesRead the Press Release
A Japanese shipping company that delivered steel products to Wilmington, NC, was convicted and sentenced today for obstruction of justice and falsification of an Oil Record Book to cover-up intentional oil pollution from the Motor Vessel (“M/V”) Atlantic Oasis, announced Acting Assistant Attorney General Jeffrey H. Wood and United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon Jr. Nitta Kisen Kaisha Ltd. (“Nitta”) owned and operated the M/V Atlantic Oasis. The prior Chief Engineer, Jihnyun Youn, had previously been convicted and sentenced for falsification of the vessel’s Oil Record Book.
The company admitted that its engineers failed to document the illegal discharge of oily wastes from the vessel’s fuel and lubrication oil purifier systems, as well as discharges of oily bilge waste from the bilge holding tank and from the vessel’s bilges. During a U.S. Coast Guard inspection of the vessel on May 17, 2017, a junior engineering crewmember provided information to the inspectors about how the oily wastes were being discharged by the order of Chief Engineer Youn. The crewmember also showed U.S. Coast Guard inspectors where the hoses that were used for the discharges were hidden. Chief Engineer Youn lied to the inspectors about the existence of a Sounding Log, which is typically used in the industry to record the fluid levels of various tanks in the engine room. By the end of the inspection, Chief Engineer Youn had admitted to ordering the illegal discharges and admitted that there was a Sounding Log.
Nitta was ordered to pay a fine of $1,000,000; placed on probation for a period of three years; and further ordered to implement a court-approved comprehensive Environmental Compliance Plan as a special condition of probation, which will be audited throughout probation. Chief Engineer Youn was placed on probation for one year and ordered to pay a fine of $5,500.00.
“This case demonstrates that those who pollute our oceans and deliberately mislead U.S. Coast Guard Officials will be brought to justice,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Wood. “The Department of Justice will continue to work with our federal law enforcement partners to aggressively prosecute criminals that harm the environment.”
“While the charges in this case rest on the failure of the ship’s crew to properly document the discharge of oily bilge waste, the heart of this case is the illegal discharge itself and the damage that action did to our environment – particularly our spectacular seashores and waterways – is a critical necessity in the Eastern District of North Carolina,” said United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon Jr. for the Eastern District of North Carolina. “We trust that the fines and penalties imposed in this case will act as a deterrent to anyone who would treat our environment as a dump-ground.”
“Marine Environmental Protection is a critical mission of the U.S. Coast Guard. We respond to and investigate oil and hazardous material releases and discharges, as well as enforce environmental laws to preserve our waters and prevent future spills. We hope the outcome of this case deters future criminal acts that pollute the marine environment,” stated Captain Bion Stewart, Commander Coast Guard Sector North Carolina.
This case was investigated by U.S. Coast Guard personnel from Coast Guard Sector North Carolina and Coast Guard Investigative Service S/A Derrick (“Rick”) Vachon. This case was prosecuted by Senior Trial Attorney Kenneth E. Nelson from the Environmental Crimes Section, Assistant United States Attorney Banu Rangarajan from the Eastern District of North Carolina, and Special Assistant United States Attorney Brendan Gavin from the U.S. Coast Guard.
Shipping Company Will Pay Million Dollar Fine for Environmental Pollution CrimesRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON—– A Japanese shipping company that delivered steel products to Wilmington, NC, was convicted and sentenced today for obstruction of justice and falsification of an Oil Record Book to cover-up intentional oil pollution from the Motor Vessel (“M/V”) Atlantic Oasis, announced Acting Assistant Attorney General Jeffrey H. Wood and United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon Jr. Nitta Kisen Kaisha Ltd. (“Nitta”) owned and operated the M/V Atlantic Oasis. The prior Chief Engineer, Jihnyun Youn, had previously been convicted and sentenced for falsification of the vessel’s Oil Record Book.
The company admitted that its engineers failed to document the illegal discharge of oily wastes from the vessel’s fuel and lubrication oil purifier systems, as well as discharges of oily bilge waste from the bilge holding tank and from the vessel’s bilges. During a U.S. Coast Guard inspection of the vessel on May 17, 2017, a junior engineering crewmember provided information to the inspectors about how the oily wastes were being discharged by the order of Chief Engineer Youn. The crewmember also showed U.S. Coast Guard inspectors where the hoses that were used for the discharges were hidden. Chief Engineer Youn lied to the inspectors about the existence of a Sounding Log, which is typically used in the industry to record the fluid levels of various tanks in the engine room. By the end of the inspection, Chief Engineer Youn had admitted to ordering the illegal discharges and admitted that there was a Sounding Log.
Nitta was ordered to pay a fine of $1,000,000; placed on probation for a period of three years; and further ordered to implement a court-approved comprehensive Environmental Compliance Plan as a special condition of probation, which will be audited throughout probation. Chief Engineer Youn was placed on probation for one year and ordered to pay a fine of $5,500.00.
“This case demonstrates that those who pollute our oceans and deliberately mislead U.S. Coast Guard Officials will be brought to justice,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Wood. “The Department of Justice will continue to work with our federal law enforcement partners to aggressively prosecute criminals that harm the environment.”
“While the charges in this case rest on the failure of the ship’s crew to properly document the discharge of oily bilge waste, the heart of this case is the illegal discharge itself and the damage that action did to our environment – particularly the spectacular seashores and waterways that are so critical to the Eastern District of North Carolina. We trust that the fines and penalties imposed in this case will act as a deterrent to anyone who would treat our environment as a dumping-ground” said United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon Jr.
“Marine Environmental Protection is a critical mission of the U.S. Coast Guard. We respond to and investigate oil and hazardous material releases and discharges, as well as enforce environmental laws to preserve our waters and prevent future spills. We hope the outcome of this case deters future criminal acts that pollute the marine environment,” stated Captain Bion Stewart, Commander Coast Guard Sector North Carolina.
This case was investigated by U.S. Coast Guard personnel from Coast Guard Sector North Carolina and Coast Guard Investigative Service S/A Derrick (“Rick”) Vachon. This case was prosecuted by Senior Trial Attorney Kenneth E. Nelson from the Environmental Crimes Section, Assistant United States Attorney Banu Rangarajan from the Eastern District of North Carolina, and Special Assistant United States Attorney Brendan Gavin from the U.S. Coast Guard.
Pembroke Man Sentenced to Prison for RobberyRead the Press Release
GREENVILLE– United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announced that today in federal court, Senior United States District Judge Malcolm J. Howard sentenced AARON CODY MAYNOR, 28 from Pembroke, to 108 months in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release for robbery and brandishing a firearm in connection with a crime of violence. MAYNOR pled guilty to the charges on January 8, 2018. Charged with MAYNOR was co-defendant VINCENT LOCKLEAR, who was sentenced to 184 months imprisonment on April 19, 2018, for the same charges.
A Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (“ATF”) Confidential Informant ("CI") identified LOCKLEAR as a known armed drug trafficker in Robeson County in early 2017. In early January 2017, the CI set up a deal to purchase narcotics from LOCKLEAR. The CI and LOCKLEAR had additional communications after their first meeting and set up a January 13, 2017 meeting, in which the CI was supposed to purchase a pistol, and possibly other firearms, and receive additional narcotics. ATF provided the CI with official government funds, as well as other ATF property.
LOCKLEAR asked the CI to pick him up at the Walmart in Pembroke, North Carolina. LOCKLEAR stated that he had a friend that lived in the area attempting to sell firearms. LOCKLEAR offered to introduce the CI to this friend, and they drove together in the CI's car to a nearby address, also in Pembroke, North Carolina, which is in the Eastern District of North Carolina. The CI was acting in his capacity as an ATF CI and had lawful charge of the ATF funds and property.
LOCKLEAR directed the CI where to park on the property. Once parked, MAYNOR and another individual, who is a minor, were present and approached the CI's car. LOCKLEAR told the CI that these were his friends and they had several firearms for sale. Next, LOCKLEAR retrieved a .380 caliber pistol from his waistband and pointed it at the CI, telling the CI not to "act stupid" and to hand over the money. At this time, MAYNOR also retrieved a firearm-a pistol grip shotgun and assisted LOCKLEAR in robbing the CI. They took the CI's car keys, government funds, other ATF property, the CI's wallet, one of his shoes, and the CI's necklace.
After the robbery, LOCKLEAR and MAYNOR fled. Agents followed them to a residence that has been identified as LOCKLEAR's in Pembroke. LOCKLEAR and MAYNOR were quickly arrested. Pursuant to a state search warrant, agents searched LOCKLEAR's residence. They seized a pistol grip shotgun, a .380 pistol and other firearms and ammunition; the CI's ATF-provided funds; LOCKLEAR's cell phone; the CI's red and black air Jordan shoe; the CI's wallet and keys; and currency, which was a portion of the money taken during the robbery.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office. The federal prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel P. Bubar.
Men Sentenced for Hobbs Act Robberies and Possession of Firearms by a FelonRead the Press Release
GREENVILLE – The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Robert J. Higdon, Jr., announced that today in federal court, Senior United States District Judge Malcolm J. Howard sentenced JAMES LEROY EVERETTE, 23, of Tarboro, North Carolina and BOBBY RAY WORTHINGTON, 25, of Pinetops, North Carolina for their roles in a series of robberies. EVERETTE was sentenced to 134 months of imprisonment followed by 3 years of supervised release and WORTHINGTON was sentenced to 120 months of imprisonment followed by 3 years of supervised release.
EVERETTE and WORTHINGTON were named in a six-count Indictment on October 3, 2017. On January 11, 2018, EVERETTE pled guilty to three-counts of Hobbs Act Robbery and Aiding and Abetting; and one count of Brandishing a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence and Aiding and Abetting. Also on January 11, 2018, WORTHINGTON pled guilty to two-counts of Hobbs Act Robbery and Aiding and Abetting; one-count of Brandishing a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence and Aiding and Abetting; and one-count of Felon in Possession of a Firearm.
On November 18, 2016, EVERETTE and WORTHINGTON, entered the Speedway gas station wearing ski masks, and demanded money from the clerk. They stole $310 from the register and $10 worth of cigarettes. During the robbery, WORTHINGTON pointed a firearm at the clerk while EVERETTE stole the money from the register. Furthermore, according to the victim, she was ordered to the ground before the suspects fled the store.
On November 19, 2016, EVERETTE and WORTHINGTON entered the Community Store wearing ski masks, and robbed the store of $1,500. During the robbery, WORTHINGTON used a firearm by pointing it at the clerks, while EVERETTE grabbed the money from the register. The clerks were then ordered to sit on the floor before WORTHINGTON and EVERETTE left the store.
On November 21, 2016, EVERETTE, and Darricus Diquel Suggs, previously sentenced to 97 months imprisonment on April 17, 2018, entered the Speedway gas station wearing gloves and concealing their faces with shirts or ski masks. EVERETTE immediately leapt over the counter and instructed the clerk to open the cash register, at which time he grabbed the cash out of the register. They fled the scene with $382, which they ultimately divided among themselves.
On November 22, 2016, EVERETTE was arrested by Greenville Police Department (GPD), following a high speed chase, after his vehicle was recognized as the suspect vehicle in multiple commercial robberies. During the pursuit, the officer activated his lights and siren, and reached speeds of 110 miles per hour. EVERETTE also admitted to participating in the burglary of Perry’s Gun Shop in Wendell, North Carolina, in order to acquire firearms for future robberies. EVERETTE and Suggs stole a total of nine firearms from the gun shop.
On November 22, 2016, WORTHINGTON was arrested driving a vehicle that contained a Ruger pistol and 1.5 grams of marijuana.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Greenville Police Department, Rocky Mount Police Department, and the Wendell Police Department conducted the criminal investigation of this case. Assistant United States Attorney James J. Kurosad handled the prosecution of this case for the government.
Former Sergeant for Gates County Sheriff’s Office Arrested for Stealing Firearms and Drugs from Criminal CasesRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announced that a federal grand jury sitting returned an indictment charging BRANDON SCOTT HAWKS, 33, of Eure, NC with two-counts of possession of a stolen firearm, and one-count of possession with the intent to distribute a quantity of controlled substances. Each of the firearm offenses carries a maximum penalty of ten years in prison, and the drug offense carries a maximum penalty of twenty years in prison.
HAWKS was employed as a deputy with the Gates County Sheriff’s Office since 2006, and held the title of Sergeant in 2017. The indictment alleges that beginning on July 23, 2017, and continuing until December 6, 2017, HAWKS possessed a stolen firearm, specifically a Glock 26 handgun. The prosecution alleges that the firearm was unlawfully seized by HAWKS during a traffic stop on July 23, 2017, was never submitted as evidence to the Sheriff’s Office, and was found at HAWKS’ residence on December 6, 2017.
Count Two of the Indictment charges HAWKS with possessing a stolen firearm from May 27, 2014 until December 6, 2017. Finally, Count Three charges that on December 6, 2017, HAWKS possessed with the intent to distribute several controlled substances, to include heroin, crack cocaine, cocaine, fentanyl, oxycodone, morphine, methamphetamine, and marijuana. The controlled substances were considered property of the Gates County Sheriff’s Office and were seized during criminal investigations.
HAWKS was terminated from his employment with the Gates County Sheriff’s Office on December 6, 2017, the day that all of the above items were recovered.
This case is part of the Take Back North Carolina Initiative, which was newly implemented by United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina. This initiative emphasizes the regional assignment of federal prosecutors to work with law enforcement and District Attorney’s Offices on a sustained basis in those communities to reduce the violent crime rate, drug trafficking, and crimes against law enforcement.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and State Bureau of Investigation conducted the criminal investigation of this case. Assistant United States Attorney Peggah B. Wilson is handling the prosecution of this case for the government.
Elizabeth City Man Sentenced for Drug Trafficking and Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Robert J. Higdon, Jr., announced that today in federal court, Chief United States District Judge James C. Dever, III sentenced JEREL LEON JORDAN, 27, of Elizabeth City, North Carolina, to 195 months of imprisonment followed by 5 years of supervised release.
JORDAN was named in a three-count Superseding Indictment on April 18, 2017. On August 21, 2017, JORDAN pled not guilty. During a bench trial on December 1, 2017, JORDAN was found guilty of Possession with Intent to Distribute 28 Grams or More of Cocaine Base, Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug-Trafficking Crime, and Possession of a Firearm by a Felon.
JORDAN distributed cocaine and cocaine base (hereinafter, crack cocaine) in the Elizabeth City and Pasquotank County areas of North Carolina from at least 2015 until his arrest on December 28, 2016. Multiple informants provided law enforcement with information to substantiate that JORDAN was trafficking crack cocaine from his home and was known to carry a firearm.
Law enforcement authorities then began surveilling JORDAN’S home and movements. As a routine, JORDAN left his residence in Elizabeth City each day, traveled to various locations in and around Elizabeth City where he made several hand-to-hand drug deliveries to various individuals known to be drug dealers, and then returned to his residence in Elizabeth City.
On December 28, 2016, law enforcement obtained a search warrant for JORDAN’S residence. Later that day, during the execution of the search warrant at JORDAN’S home, law enforcement authorities found: (1) a .45 caliber handgun loaded with seven rounds of ammunition; (2) 226.25 grams of cocaine; (3) 156.05 grams of crack cocaine; (4) 41 rounds of ammunition; (5) digital scales; (6) a money counter; (7) two gun cases; and (8) two boxes of sandwich bags.
JORDAN immediately provided a statement in which he advised he began selling street-level quantities of crack cocaine when he was 13 or 14 years old. He stated that he “stepped up” his drug activities in early 2016 when he began purchasing and selling one-half kilogram of crack cocaine each month. However, JORDAN added that there were months when he sold as much as one kilogram of crack cocaine (6.5 kilograms of crack cocaine).
The Pasquotank County Sheriff’s Office, Elizabeth City Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (“ATF”) conducted the criminal investigation of this case. Assistant United States Attorney Melissa Belle Kessler handled the prosecution of this case for the United States
Roseboro Man Charged with Carjacking on Interstate 95Read the Press Release
RALEIGH – The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Robert J. Higdon, Jr., announced that in federal court, before United States Magistrate Judge Robert T. Numbers, II, RAYMOND LEE BRYANT, JR, of Roseboro, North Carolina, was charged in a federal Criminal Complaint with carjacking and carrying and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to the carjacking.
According to the affidavit attached to the Criminal Complaint, BRYANT, is alleged to have committed multiple carjackings on Interstate 95 in Dunn, North Carolina on May 3, 2018. BRYANT is alleged to have approached a semi-truck and trailer, forced the driver and passenger out of the truck at gunpoint after firing a round and attempted to drive the truck away. As BRYANT was backing up the truck, it jack-knifed which blocked the northbound lanes of Interstate 95. BRYANT exited the truck, attempted to carjack another semi-truck and trailer however the driver of that truck exited the vehicle as he saw BRYANT approach. BRYANT then approached a third vehicle, had a confrontation with the two occupants, the two occupants fled the vehicle and BRYANT sped from Harnett County in the truck heading north on Interstate 95.
The charge and allegations contained in the Criminal Complaint are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
This case is part of the Take Back North Carolina Initiative, which was newly implemented by United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina. This initiative emphasizes the regional assignment of federal prosecutors to work with law enforcement and District Attorney’s Offices on a sustained basis in those communities to reduce the violent crime rate, drug trafficking, and crimes against law enforcement
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the North Carolina State Highway Patrol and the Harnett County Sheriff’s Office investigated this case.
Wilmington Man Indicted on Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – Robert J. Higdon, Jr., the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, announces that a Federal grand jury in Raleigh has returned an eleven-count indictment charging RICARDO JEROME BENNETT, SR., age 47, of Wilmington, North Carolina, with ten counts of Receipt of Child Pornography and one count of Possession of Child Pornography.
The indictment alleges that, beginning at a time unknown and ending on December 19, 2014, BENNETT received at least ten images containing visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. The indictment further alleges that on December 19, 2014, BENNETT was found to be in possession of digital media containing images and videos involving minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
If convicted of these charges, BENNETT would face a maximum of twenty years’ imprisonment and up to a lifetime of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
The charges and allegations contained in the Indictment are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
The case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Melissa Belle Kessler is prosecuting the case for the government.
Federal Jury Convicts Lumberton Man for Drug Trafficking and Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
GREENVILLE – Robert J. Higdon, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, announces that today in Federal court, TRANQUERE SANCHEZ IRONS, a 30-year-old resident of Lumberton, was convicted following a two-day trial before Senior United States District Judge Malcolm J. Howard. The jury found IRONS guilty of Possession with the Intent to Distribute a Quantity of Cocaine Base (Crack), Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime and Being a Felon in Possession of a firearm. Sentencing is scheduled for August 7, 2018. IRONS faces up to life imprisonment.
The evidence at trial showed that on March 3, 2017, Officers with the Lumberton Police Department were conducting a license checkpoint. Officers noticed a vehicle, driven by IRONS, avoid the checkpoint and begin traveling at a high rate of speed. Officers pursued IRONS who ended up crashing his vehicle into two other vehicles. IRONS exited his vehicle and fled on foot but was captured by law enforcement officers. Officers searched IRONS’ vehicle and found a loaded Bryco .380 pistol, a loaded 9mm magazine, an AK-47, cocaine and crack cocaine, and digital scales.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
In support of PSN, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina has implemented the Take Back North Carolina Initiative. This initiative emphasizes the regional assignment of federal prosecutors to work with law enforcement and District Attorney’s Offices on a sustained basis in those communities to reduce the violent crime rate, drug trafficking, and crimes against law enforcement.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF), and the Lumberton Police Department. John H. Bennett prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.
Six Aliens Indicted on Illegal Reentry ChargesRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – Robert J. Higdon, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, announces that a federal grand jury in Raleigh has returned indictments charging IVAN DIAZ-RAMIREZ, age 33, of Mexico, PEDRO LANDEROS-TETATZIA, age 33, of Mexico, and FREDI PEREZ-NAVARRO, age 44, of Mexico, RAUL MIRELES-PRADO, age 43, of Mexico, ANGEL PISANO, age 44, of Mexico, and AURELIO RAMIREZ-BARRIENTOS, age 41, of Mexico, with illegal reentry of a deported alien.
If convicted of illegal reentry of an alien, DIAZ-RAMIREZ, found in Duplin County, LANDEROS-TETATZIA, found in Harnett County, PEREZ-NAVARRO, found in Robeson County, MIRELES-PRADO, found in Wake County, PISANO, found in Wake County, and RAMIREZ-BARRIENTOS, found in Robeson County, would face a maximum imprisonment term of two years, a $250,000 fine, and a term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
The cases are being investigated by ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations.
President of North Carolina Mental Health Service Provider Indicted for Not Paying Employment Taxes to IRSRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury sitting in Raleigh, North Carolina returned an indictment today charging a Raleigh man with seven counts of willful failure to pay over employment taxes, announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division.
According to the indictment, Sainte Deon Robinson failed to pay to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) more than $450,000 in federal employment taxes withheld from the wages paid to employees of his mental health services business, OneCare, Inc. The indictment alleges that Robinson served in several positions at OneCare, Inc., including President.
If convicted, the defendant faces a statutory maximum sentence of five years in prison for each count. He also faces a period of supervised release, restitution, and monetary penalties. An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed. A defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Zuckerman commended special agents of IRS Criminal Investigation, who investigated the case, and Tax Division Trial Attorneys Lauren Castaldi and Michael Boteler, who are prosecuting the case and also thanked the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina for their valuable assistance.
Additional information about the Tax Division and its enforcement efforts may be found on the division’s website.
Henderson Man Sentenced for Felon in Possession ChargeRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Robert J. Higdon, Jr., announced that today, WENDELL ROUSE, JR., 32, of Henderson, North Carolina, was sentenced to 97 months imprisonment followed by 3 years of supervised release.
ROUSE was named in a two-count Indictment on July 25, 2017 charging him with two counts of Possession of a Firearm by a Felon. On January 29, 2018, ROUSE pled guilty to one of those two counts.
Investigation was initiated by the Henderson Police Department (HPD) on June 20, 2017, when officers responded to reports of a gunshot victim. The victim suffered a gunshot wound to the abdomen by a .380 caliber bullet. Seven shell casing of the same caliber were recovered from the scene. Further, the screen door of the residence had been shot out and there were three bullet holes in the side of the residence. Notably, the victim was shot from the outside while he was inside the residence. Three children were also in the residence at the time.
Later the same night, while continuing their investigation, officers heard a gunshot nearby and then observed ROUSE as he walked through the crime scene tape and headed to the victim’s residence. ROUSE was instructed to raise his shirt to reveal his waistband. After hearing those instructions, ROUSE turned away from the officers and started to reach for something on his person. ROUSE was then handcuffed and searched where officers recovered a .380 handgun from his waistband. Ballistics later matched the defendant’s handgun to the bullets recovered from the scene.
In summary, ROUSE is responsible for possessing ammunition as a convicted felon. At sentencing, the court determined that a cross reference to attempted murder under the sentencing guidelines was appropriate in this case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
The investigation of this case was conducted by the Henderson Police Department, the North Carolina Crime Laboratory, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF). Assistant United States Attorney S. Katherine Burnette handled the prosecution of this case for the government.
Fayetteville Man Indicted for String of Robberies and Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – Robert J. Higdon, Jr., the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, announces that a Federal grand jury in Raleigh has returned a nine-count indictment charging MICHAEL DEVONTE HILL, age 29, of Fayetteville, North Carolina, with one count of stealing a firearm, three counts of Hobbs Act robbery, three counts of using, discharging, and/or brandishing a firearm while committing a Hobbs Act robbery, one count of possessing a stolen firearm, and one count of possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.
The indictment alleges that on July 14, 2017, HILL stole a firearm and on July 25, 2017, he robbed a Circle K store located on Rosehill Road in Fayetteville. During the robbery, HILL discharged the stolen firearm. On July 28, 2017, HILL robbed another Circle K located on Yadkin Road in Fayetteville and brandished a firearm during that robbery. On July 30, 2017, HILL robbed a Circle K located on Owens Drive in Fayetteville and also brandished a firearm during that robbery. On August 2, 2017, at the time of his arrest, HILL possessed a stolen firearm as a convicted felon.
If convicted of these charges, HILL would face a sentence of not less than 60 years’ imprisonment and not more than 5 years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
The charges and allegations contained in the Indictment are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
The case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Fayetteville Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney James J. Kurosad is prosecuting the case for the government.
Eastern Carolina Behavioral Health CEO Sentenced to Eight Years in Prison for Expansive Multistate Healthcare FraudRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announced that yesterday afternoon in federal court, SHEPHARD LEE SPRUILL, 47, of Greenville, North Carolina, was sentenced to 96 months in prison on the charge of Health Care Fraud Conspiracy, and 60 months in prison for Perjury, to be served concurrently. Spruill was also ordered to make restitution in the total amount of $5,998,874.86, payable to the North Carolina Medicaid Program, the South Carolina Medicaid Program, and another victim of the scheme. Spruill was further ordered to serve a three year term of supervised release, and to forfeit an additional $939,989.50 in criminal proceeds. Under the terms of his plea agreement, Spruill is also banned from participation in Federal healthcare benefit programs for life.
Spruill’s case arose out of the investigation of Pitt County behavioral health provider Terry Lamont Speller, his biller, Donnie Lee Phillips, II; and another Medicaid provider named Reginald Saunders. Each of these defendants were previously sentenced by Senior U.S. District Judge James C. Fox to 20 years, 9 years, and 3 years, respectively.
According to the Criminal Information and evidence discussed in open court, Spruill, then the leader of Carolina Support Services, an East Carolina behavioral health practice, supplied hundreds of patient names and identifiers to Speller, who in turn had Phillips bill the North Carolina Medicaid Program for millions of dollars in fictitious mental health services. Spruill, Speller, and Phillips split the fraud proceeds, with Spruill receiving his cut of the funds in the form of fictitious, no-document loan repayments. Spruill appeared before a federal grand jury and lied about his involvement with Speller, falsely claiming that he had no business relationship with Speller.
The continuing investigation into Spruill revealed that Spruill also engaged in a fraud upon the South Carolina Medicaid program, billing and being paid millions in fictitious services through another provider he owned.
United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. stated, “As we continue to combat drug dealers and violent criminals in our district, do not for a moment believe that we have given a pass to those whose steal from taxpayers through fraud. This case shows our continuing resolve to bring all to justice, even CEOs who commit their crimes with lies instead of guns. This case also sends a message about the integrity of our grand jury system. Those who choose to lie in the grand jury will be held fully accountable.”
“Health care fraud is not a road to easy riches, as this sentence demonstrates” said Derrick L. Jackson, Special Agent in Charge of the Office of Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. “Those who steal from taxpayers and vital government health care programs will be held accountable for their actions.”
In a related case, ATOYA BELLAMY, 45, of Morrisville, North Carolina, was sentenced to one year in prison for her role in Spruill’s fraud at Carolina Support Services. BELLAMY previously pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Health Care Fraud on November 29, 2017. BELLAMY was also ordered to make restitution to the Government.
The investigation of this case was conducted by agents of the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation assigned to the Medicaid Investigations Division of the North Carolina Attorney General’s Office; The Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation; and the United States Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General, with the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The investigation and prosecution of this matter is being handled in a partnership between the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina and the Medicaid Investigations Division of the North Carolina Attorney General’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney William M. Gilmore and Special Assistant United States Attorney Daniel Spillman of the Medicaid Investigations Division of the North Carolina Attorney General’s Office, each represented the United States.
If you suspect Medicaid or Medicare fraud please visit the HHS OIG website at https://oig.hhs.gov/ and click on the Report Fraud button. To report Medicaid fraud in North Carolina, call the North Carolina Medicaid Investigations Division at 919-881-2320.
Man Sentenced to More Than 16 Years for Drug Distribution ChargeRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Robert J. Higdon, Jr., announced that today in federal court, Senior United States District Judge W. Earl Britt sentenced FRANZ DIDYER RAMOS-FERNANDEZ, 29, of Pasadena, Texas, to 195 months of imprisonment followed by 6 years of supervised release.
RAMOS-FERNANDEZ and co-defendant Fernando Enrique Cardona-Zavala were named in a five-count Indictment filed on June 27, 2017. On September 14, 2017 RAMOS-FERNANDEZ pled guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess With Intent to Distribute a Quantity of Methamphetamine, a Quantity of Cocaine, and a Quantity of Marijuana.
The investigation revealed that RAMOS-FERNANDEZ was the head of a drug trafficking organization (DTO) selling crystal methamphetamine (hereinafter referred to as Ice), cocaine, and other drugs in the Wilmington, North Carolina, area. Cardona-Zavala was identified as one of RAMOS-FERNANDEZ’ primary dealers and he was sentenced on November 30, 2017.
According to a confidential source (CS), RAMOS-FERNANDEZ was importing and distributing significant quantities of multiple drugs throughout the Wilmington, North Carolina region. RAMOS-FERNANDEZ utilized a sophisticated network of local bars, nightclubs and apartments to store and sell his organization’s drugs. With the assistance of the CS, undercover agents (UC and UC2), and a confidential source of information (SOI), several controlled purchases and seizures of narcotics from RAMOS-FERNANDEZ and Cardona-Zavala took place involving crystal methamphetamine and cocaine.
According to the SOI, on March 17, 2017, RAMOS-FERNANDEZ hinted at the possibility of the SOI driving to Miami, Florida, and to Texas for RAMOS-FERNANDEZ, which could earn the SOI $5,000 to $10,000 per trip. The SOI further advised law enforcement of pictures RAMOS-FERNANDEZ recently posted on “Snap Chat” indicating that individuals at a local restaurant in Wilmington owed RAMOS-FERNANDEZ significant sums of money, noting that “they” sold drugs out of that location.
Between May and June 2017, RAMOS-FERNANDEZ relocated to the Houston area and made contact with the DEA in Houston. After a federal warrant was issued in North Carolina for RAMOS-FERNANDEZ’ arrest in late June 2017, DEA agents in Wilmington requested that DEA agents in Houston arrange for a meeting with RAMOS-FERNANDEZ. Following RAMOS-FERNANDEZ’ arrival at the DEA office in Houston on July 6, 2017, he was placed under arrest. On the same date, DEA agents conducted an unprotected interview of RAMOS-FERNANDEZ, during which he admitted to selling Ice to an undercover DEA agent in Wilmington. Additionally, RAMOS-FERNANDEZ provided details about an international Mexican DTO that had cells in Texas, North Carolina, and Philadelphia.
Based on the investigation, RAMOS-FERNANDEZ is accountable for the possession and distribution of multiple kilogram quantities of methamphetamine, cocaine and marijuana. RAMOS-FERNANDEZ possessed a firearm in connection with the offense. He is also deserving of a role enhancement for his position as a manager or supervisor of the criminal activity which involved five or more participants.
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) along with local, Wilmington based law enforcement agencies conducted the criminal investigation of this case. Assistant United States Attorney Bradford Knott handled the prosecution of this case for the government.
Charges Filed Against Farmer for Crop Insurance Fraud, Fraudulent Federal Crop Disaster Claims, and Conspiracy to Commit Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
WILMINGTON – United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announced that a Criminal Information was filed in the Eastern District of North Carolina. The Criminal Information charges JAMES SCOTT WIGGINS, 43, of Wayne County, North Carolina, with conspiracy to commit various offenses against the United States, false statements to the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation, material false statements to the Farm Service Agency, and conspiracy to commit money laundering.
According to the Criminal Information, WIGGINS and other persons worked together to defraud the United States of America, through the filing of false federal crop insurance claims and false federal crop disaster relief claims, to structure transactions to evade reporting requirements, and to engage in various financial transactions to conceal the fraud. The conspirators owned and rented farmland in Lenoir, Wayne, and Greene Counties, and produced, among other crops, tobacco, corn, wheat, and soybeans. The conspirators hid some or all of their tobacco and/or grain productions by selling it in nominee names or for cash to a co-conspiring tobacco warehouseman and grain dealers. The conspirators profited under the scheme because they were paid twice for each pound of tobacco or bushel of grain: once through the false crop insurance claim, and also through the sale of the hidden crop. WIGGINS submitted the false production data in connection with his federal crop disaster claim, thereby getting disaster relief monies to which he was not entitled.
Between 2007 and 2011, WIGGINS and his conspirators collectively filed false claims in excess of $5.6 million. The conspirators, among other things, paid farming expenses and outstanding loan balances with the proceeds from their criminal conduct.
Mr. Higdon commented: “Put very simply, this defendant stole more than $5 million from the taxpayers of this State and this Country. This type of crime is what undermines the solvency of our federal programs and deprives those who need the funds of that support. I want to commend the investigators who have pursued these cases for so long. Their effort to protect the public’s money is key to the success of programs like the Federal Crop Insurance Program.”
The charges and allegations contained in the information are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
The charges in this case stem from the on-going, multi-target crop insurance fraud investigation in the Eastern District of North Carolina. To date, the office has prosecuted 47 other farmers, agents, and/or adjusters for similar criminal conduct.
Investigation of this case was conducted by the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigations; the United States Department of Agriculture - Office of Inspector General, Investigations; and the United States Department of Agriculture - Risk Management Agency, Special Investigations Branch. Assistant United States Attorney Banumathi Rangarajan is handling the prosecution on behalf to the Eastern District of North Carolina.
Wilmington Man Indicted on Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – Robert J. Higdon, Jr., the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, announces that a Federal grand jury in Raleigh has returned a three-count indictment charging HASAN EMINOF, age 20, of Wilmington, North Carolina, with two counts of Making False Statements to a Federal Firearm Licensee and one count of Possession of a Firearm by a Person Adjudicated Mentally Defective or Committed to a Mental Institution.
The indictment alleges that on June 8, 2016, EMINOF made a false and fictitious written statement on an ATF background check form to Backwater Guns in Wilmington, North Carolina. Specifically, the defendant represented himself to have not been adjudicated mentally defective and not to have been committed to a mental institution, when in fact as the defendant knew, he had been. On July 21, 2016, EMINOF attempted to purchase a firearm from Bullzeye Shooting, also in Wilmington, by again representing himself to have not been adjudicated mentally defective and not to have been committed to a mental institution. The indictment further alleges that on March 4, 2018, EMINOF, having been adjudicated a mental defective and having been committed to a mental institution, knowingly and unlawfully possessed firearms.
If convicted of these charges, EMINOF would face a maximum of ten years’ imprisonment and three years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
The charges and allegations contained in the Indictment are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
The case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Jake D. Pugh is prosecuting the case for the government.
Jacksonville Man Indicted for Distribution of Heroin that Resulted in DeathRead the Press Release
Raleigh – The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announces that RANDON AUSTIN JENKINS, A/K/A “JERZ,” was indicted yesterday on additional charges, including distribution of a quantity of heroin resulting in serious bodily injury and death.
JENKINS was named in a Superseding Indictment filed on April 24, 2018, charging him with eleven counts of narcotics and firearms offenses, including: distribution of heroin, fentanyl, and crack cocaine; possession with intent to distribute heroin and crack; possession of a firearm by a felon; and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. If convicted of the charge alleging distribution resulting in serious bodily injury and death, he would face a minimum term of imprisonment of 20 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life, up to a $2,000,000 fine, and a term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
Mr. Higdon commented: “The United States Justice Department and the United States Attorneys’s Office are aggressively pursuing distributors of heroin and fentanyl. These drugs pose a serious danger to the people of Eastern North Carolina and we intend to remove that danger as part of our effort to “Take Back North Carolina” from the drug traffickers and violent criminals.”
The charges and allegations contained in the Superseding Indictment are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Investigation of this case is being conducted by the Jacksonville Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Laura S. Howard is representing the government.
Three Press Conferences AnnouncedRead the Press Release
TUESDAY – April 24, 2018
MEDIA ADVISORY
WHEN: Wednesday, April 25, 2018 at 10:00 AM
WHERE: Pasquotank County Public Safety Building
200 East Colonial Avenue
Elizabeth City, NC 27909
WHEN: Wednesday, April 25, 2018 at 12:15 PM
WHERE: Ahoskie Police Department
705 West Main Street
Ahoskie, NC 27910
WHEN: Wednesday, April 25, 2018 at 3:30 PM
WHERE: Henderson Police Department
200 Breckenridge Street
Henderson, NC 27536
Re: Announcements of Take Back North Carolina Initiative
RALEIGH – The United States Attorney’s Office announces three press conferences to discuss the beginning of a new initiative to combat violent and drug crime in the Eastern District of North Carolina. This initiative will bring the full weight and resources of the federal court system in the fight against crime in those counties in partnership with District Attorneys’ Offices and federal, state, and local law enforcement. The initiative will also focus on the alarming level of opioid use and the deaths associated with it.
The first news conference in Elizabeth City will focus on, Chowan, Perquimans, Pasquotank, Camden, Currituck, Gates and Dare Counties.
The second news conference in Ahoskie will focus on Bertie, Halifax, Hertford and Northampton Counties.
The third news conference will focus on Granville, Vance, Warren, and Franklin Counties.
In addition to United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. we anticipate members from the District Attorney’s Office and local, state, and federal law enforcement to be present at each event.
Federal Jury Convicts Wilson Man for Being a Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
GREENVILLE – Robert J. Higdon, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, announces that today in Federal court, KELLY SHADROME ANDERSON, a 33-year-old resident of Wilson, was convicted following a two-day trial before Senior United States District Judge Malcolm J. Howard. The jury found ANDERSON guilty of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
The evidence at trial showed that in the early evening on September 24, 2016, the Wilson Police Department responded to a burglary in progress at a residence (716 Harper Street) in Wilson. The resident of the home advised that she was sitting on her front porch with a friend and observed ANDERSON run toward her with a firearm. ANDERSON entered the residence and locked the front door. ANDERSON held a three year old hostage inside the residence. ANDERSON later surrendered and the firearm ANDERSON brandished was found inside the residence.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF), and the Wilson Police Department. Melissa Kessler prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.
Two Snow Hill Men Sentenced Following Same-Day Armed Robberies of Goldsboro Bank and Convenience StoreRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Robert J. Higdon, Jr., announced that today in federal court, Chief United States District Judge James C. Dever, III sentenced two Snow Hill men, ISIAH KIRKMAN, 24, to 113 months of imprisonment followed by 5 years of supervised release and MALIK THOMAS, 22, to 98 months of imprisonment followed by 5 years of supervised release.
KIRKMAN and THOMAS were named in a four-count Indictment on July 11, 2017. On January 8, 2018 both men pled guilty to one count of Interfering with Commerce By Robbery and Aiding and Abetting and one count of Discharging a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence and Aiding and Abetting.
On April 12, 2016, THOMAS and KIRKMAN entered a Handy Mart convenience store in Goldsboro and robbed a store clerk at gunpoint. Both conspirators wore masks and gloves to conceal their identities. During the robbery, the conspirators, both of whom possessed handguns, demanded money and stated they would kill the clerk if she failed to comply with their directives. As the clerk attempted to open the cash register, both robbers discharged their firearms to push her to move faster. After the clerk opened the register, the robbers stole the cash drawer, which contained $161 in U.S. currency and $50 in postage stamps, and fled from the store on foot.
THOMAS became a suspect after his cell phone was recovered from the scene of a similar robbery that had occurred earlier the same day at First Citizens Bank in Goldsboro. On April 20, 2016, law enforcement arrested THOMAS, who acknowledged committing the April 12, 2016, robberies at Handy Mart and First Citizens Bank. THOMAS named KIRKMAN as his armed accomplice during both robberies.
On June 14, 2016, KIRKMAN was arrested. He was subsequently interviewed by investigators and admitted his role in both the Handy Mart and the First Citizens Bank robberies. KIRKMAN stated he needed money to pay bills, and he was willing to do whatever to get some cash. KIRKMAN acknowledged that both he and THOMAS had fired their weapons during the Handy Mart robbery.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Goldsboro Police Department, and Wayne County Sheriff’s Office conducted the criminal investigation of this case, with assistance from the Greene County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Jake D. Pugh handled the prosecution of this case for the government.
Plymouth Robbery Results in Federal Prison TimeRead the Press Release
GREENVILLE – United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announced that today, GERALD KENNETH McCALOP, 24, of Butner was sentenced in United States District Court today. The charges stem from the July 20, 2017 robbery of the Jewel Shoppe in Plymouth.
Senior United States District Judge Malcolm J. Howard sentenced McCALOP TO 85 months in prison for his guilty plea to robbery of a business engaged in interstate commerce, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. McCALOP pled guilty to his participation in the robbery of the Jewel Shoppe, a jewelry store located on Water Street in Plymouth. On July 17, 2017, McCALOP and his co-defendants, Andre Cooper and Michael Leverette, entered the Jewel Shoppe armed with two handguns. The defendants held all the victims at gunpoint and one victim was tied up. The owner managed to set off the silent alarm and Plymouth Police Department officers responded within moments. When the officers arrived, the robbers were in the back trying to force their way out of the store. All three were then arrested. In the back of the store, the officers recovered jewelry, $150.00 in cash and two handguns. McCALOP provided a statement to the officers admitting his actions and implicating his co-defendants in the planning of the robbery.
Cooper and Leverette pled guilty in March 2018 to robbery and firearm charges, including felon in possession of firearms. Each are set for sentencing the week of June 12, 2018.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
Investigation of this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Plymouth Police Department, with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Assistant United States Attorney John Bennett is prosecuting the case.
Eight Aliens Indicted on Illegal Reentry Charges, Passport Fraud and Aggravated Identity TheftRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – Robert J. Higdon, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, announces that a federal grand jury in Raleigh has returned indictments charging CAMERINO SANCHEZ-VENEGAS, age 27, of Mexico, FRANCISCO VEGA-MARTINEZ, age 35, of Mexico, EDGAR SOLIS-PEREZ, age 38, of Mexico, DAVID DELACRUZ-GRAJALES, age 21, of Mexico, GIOVANNI SORROSA-IBARRA, age 36, of Mexico, JUSTO RUFINO SANDRES-SOLIS, age 32, of Honduras with illegal reentry of a deported alien.
Additionally, a federal grand jury in Raleigh has returned an indictment charging JOSE DOLORES HERNANDEZ-AGUILAR, age 37, of Mexico, with illegal reentry of an alien subsequent to an aggravated felony conviction.
Furthermore, a federal grand jury in Raleigh has returned an indictment charging RAMON ESTEBAN PAEZ-JEREZ, age 58, of the Dominican Republic, with passport fraud and aggravated identity theft. If convicted of illegal reentry of a deported alien, SANCHEZ-VENEGAS, found in Robeson County, VEGA-MARTINEZ, previously deported twice and found in Wake County, SOLIS-PEREZ, previously deported four times and found in Wake County, DELACRUZ-GRAJALES, previously deported three times and found in Wake County, SORROSA-IBARRA, previously deported five times and found in Wake County, and SANDRES-SOLIS, previously deported one time and found in Wake County, would face maximum penalties of two years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and a term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
If convicted of illegal reentry of an alien subsequent to an aggravated felony conviction, HERNANDEZ-AGUILAR, previously deported one time and found in Wilson County, would face a maximum imprisonment term of twenty years, a $250,000 fine, and a term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
If convicted of passport fraud and aggravated identity theft, PAEZ-JEREZ, would face maximum penalties of twelve years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and a term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
The charges and allegations contained in the indictments are merely accusations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
The cases are being investigated by ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Department of State.
Ahoskie Gang Member Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison in Firearms CaseRead the Press Release
RALEIGH - United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announced that today, RASHEM SANTA PERRY, 26, of Ahoskie was sentenced in United States District Court today. The charges stem from a search of the defendant’s residence on May 5, 2017.
Chief U.S. District Judge James C. Dever, III sentenced PERRY to 120 months in prison following his plea of guilty to being a felon in possession of firearms. PERRY has been validated as a high-ranking member of the United Blood Nation street gang. On May 4, 2017, Ahoskie Police Department Officers used a confidential informant to purchase marijuana from another individual from PERRY’s residence. The informant was also able to purchase a stolen .22 rifle. The following day, May 5, 2017, officers from the Ahoskie Police Department and agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) executed a search warrant at PERRY’S residence. The officers found PERRY running from a rear bedroom. In a closet in that bedroom was an AR-15 rifle and a partially loaded 30-round AR-15 magazine. A .40 caliber handgun was also seized from the residence. The rifle had been reported stolen in Ahoskie on April 29, 2017. The .40 caliber handgun was one of approximately 30 handguns stolen during the burglary of TAMZ Guns in Ahoskie on April 15, 2017. Subsequent to PERRY’S arrest, he attempted to obstruct the investigation by directing other gang members to have a 14-year-old boy take responsibility for the firearms.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
Investigation of this case was conducted by the Ahoskie Police Department, the Down East Task Force, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Assistant United States Attorney John Bennett is prosecuting the case.
Two Whiteville Men Pled Guilty to Bank Robbery and Firing Weapons at Law Enforcement OfficersRead the Press Release
RALEIGH - United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announced that in federal court today, RASHAD DAVONTE YOUNG, 27, and JERAMIE ROSS VAUGHN, 30, of Whiteville, North Carolina pled guilty in Raleigh before United States District Judge Terrence W. Boyle to one count of Bank Robbery and one count of Discharging a Firearm in Furtherance of a Bank Robbery.
On January 23, 2018, at approximately 3:35PM, YOUNG, VAUGHN, and two co-conspirators entered the PNC Bank in Lumberton, North Carolina where they held the PNC Bank employees and a customer at gunpoint while they stole over $40,000 in United States Currency. They were in the bank for approximately 10 minutes. When the Lumberton Police Department responded to the scene of the robbery, they observed a gray-in-color Saturn, matching descriptions given by witnesses, near the PNC Bank. They initiated a vehicle pursuit with the fleeing vehicle.
During the pursuit, VAUGHN was the getaway driver and YOUNG was seated in the back passenger seat. The perpetrators fired their weapons at law enforcement during the vehicle pursuit, striking six Lumberton Police Department vehicles and one Robeson County Sheriff’s Office vehicle. Specifically, at one point, while the Saturn was stopped, VAUGHN fired shots at law enforcement. YOUNG also fired at law enforcement using a Tech-9 gun. When the Saturn reached a convenience store in Lumberton, YOUNG jumped out of the vehicle and fled on foot. VAUGHN continued to drive through Columbus County, where the vehicle was abandoned, and the remaining three perpetrators escaped into the woods.
The following day, approximately thirty hours after the robbery, VAUGHN was located by a homeowner in Lumberton. He was wet and cold, and was wearing the same clothing that was captured on the bank surveillance video. YOUNG was arrested during a traffic stop on January 25, 2018. Both individuals provided confessions to law enforcement about their roles in the robbery.
VAUGHN faces a sentence of not less than 20 years and up to life along with a fine up to $500,000 and up to 5 years of supervised release at sentencing.
YOUNG faces a sentence of not less than 10 years and up to life along with a fine up to $500,000 and up to 5 years of supervised release at sentencing.
Daquan Madrid Pridgen and Demetris Sean Robinson have also been charged in connection with this case and their cases are pending.
Mr. Higdon commented: “We are pleased to have resolved the cases against these two defendants so promptly. Jeopardizing people’s safety and risking the lives of law enforcement officers will not be tolerated in this federal district. Two defendants have not yet concluded their cases and we look forward to presenting their cases to a trial jury in the near-future so we may see justice served come and all who are responsible are held responsible.”
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
Investigation of this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Lumberton Police Department, the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office, and the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Peggah B. Wilson handled the prosecution of this case for the government.