Eastern District of North Carolina

RALEIGH, N.C. – A federal grand jury returned an indictment yesterday charging a Raleigh man with defrauding the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) for over $1 million. The indictment was unsealed today.

“We are devoting more resources than ever to prosecuting white collar fraud, especially on taxpayer-funded relief programs meant to serve the needy,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Easley. “Fairness in federally funded programs is fundamental to public trust and the rule of law.”

According to the indictment, Wilson Alfredo Olivera Borda, 44, received nine PPP loans in the names of five separate businesses—The Insurance Centers.Com Inc., The Insurance Centers LLC, Realty Vestors LLC, US-Kaizen LLC, and Ecobuild LLC—by allegedly falsely claiming on PPP applications that each business had substantial employees and operations. The indictment alleges that Olivera bolstered these fraudulent misrepresentations by submitting fabricated tax returns to PPP lenders.

The indictment also alleges that Olivera made additional false statements to obtain forgiveness on the loans and that all nine loans were fully forgiven and paid off by the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Olivera is charged with nine counts of wire fraud involving disaster-related benefits. If convicted, he faces a maximum of 30 years in prison.

Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement. The Federal Bureau of Investigation is investigating the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Cogburn is prosecuting the case.

The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division's prosecution of fraud schemes that exploit the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Since the inception of the CARES Act, the Fraud Section has prosecuted over 150 defendants in more than 95 criminal cases and has seized over $75 million in cash proceeds derived from fraudulently obtained PPP funds, as well as numerous real estate properties and luxury items purchased with such proceeds. More information can be found at Justice.gov/OPA/pr/justice-department-takes-action-against-covid-19-fraud.

An indictment is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

RALEIGH, N.C. – A Garner man was sentenced today to 240 months in prison for robbery of a Raleigh Walmart store and the carjacking of a woman at Crabtree Valley Mall.  On April 8, 2024, Thomas Kyle Cauther pleaded guilty to both charges.

“This defendant was a one-man crime spree threatening a store clerk, crashing a city truck, and dragging a woman across a shopping center parking lot in a carjacking,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Easley. “Cauther’s spree caused unspeakable trauma to victims and wrecked a city street sweeper. Today it is Cauther whose been swept off the streets – for the next 20 years. Hopefully today’s sentence brings some peace or closure to the victims and community We are partnering with the City of Raleigh to ensure brazen threats to public safety, like Cauther are put on a fast track to federal prison.

According to court documents and other information presented in court, on May 11, 2023, Cauther, age 31, used a tool to smash a glass display case in the electronics section of the Walmart store on Fayetteville Road in Raleigh. Cauther retrieved two iPhones from the smashed display. When confronted by a Walmart employee, Cauther displayed a knife and threatened to harm her. Cauther then rode a bicycle out of the Walmart with the stolen iPhones in hand.

After leaving the Walmart, Cauther traveled to the area of Ramsgate Street and Lineberry Drive in Raleigh, where he stole a City of Raleigh truck with a trailer and street sweeper attached. Cauther eventually wrecked the truck and trailer in the parking deck area of Crabtree Valley Mall.

Once the City of Raleigh truck was disabled, Cauther approached a woman who was sitting in a vehicle in the Crabtree Valley Mall parking lot. He opened her car door and removed her from the vehicle. Cauther then got into the vehicle and began to drive away while the carjacking victim was still entangled in the vehicle, causing her to be drug by the vehicle as Cauther drove away. Raleigh Police engaged in a pursuit of the carjacked vehicle. Eventually, the vehicle was remotely disabled by OnStar system operators and Cauther was apprehended. The carjacking victim was hospitalized after sustaining multiple broken bones.

Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Terrence W. Boyle. The Raleigh Police Department and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah E. Nokes  prosecuted the case.

The conviction is a result of the ongoing Violent Crime Action Plan (VCAP) initiative which is collaborative effort with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, working with the community, to identify and address the most significant drivers of violent crime. VCAP involves focused and strategic enforcement, and interagency coordination and intelligence-led policing.

Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:24-CR-23.

RALEIGH, N.C. –   Jeremiah Williams, a 40-year-old resident of Raleigh, has been sentenced to 174 months in federal prison for trafficking cocaine in the Raleigh area. Williams also received a consecutive sentence of 36 months for a supervised release violation for a total sentence of 210 months in federal prison.

“The distribution of cocaine and other dangerous drugs has no place in our community.  The Raleigh Police Department (RPD) is committed to ensuring that the flow of these dangerous substances is stopped through intentionality and a deliberate focus on prolific drug dealers. In this case, a habitual offender was taken off the streets and can no longer harm our neighborhoods. Once again, we are grateful for the strong partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Eastern District of NC and U.S. Attorney Easley’s commitment to public safety,” said Raleigh Police Chief Estella Patterson.

According to court documents and information presented in court, in March 2021, RPD received a tip from a confidential informant (CI) that “Dirty,” later identified as Jeremiah Williams, was selling crack cocaine. On March 31, 2021, the CI contacted Williams by phone to purchase crack cocaine and met him at a fast-food restaurant in Raleigh, North Carolina, where the sale was captured on audio and video. On April 6, 2021, the CI contacted Williams again, and they agreed to meet at an apartment complex in Raleigh for another drug deal, which was also recorded.

After selling crack cocaine to the CI, law enforcement attempted to arrest Williams. He tried to flee but was apprehended. While running, he threw a bag of crack cocaine to the ground. A search incident to the arrest of Williams led to the seizure of 26.8 grams of cocaine, 4.78 grams of crack cocaine, 17.7 grams of marijuana, cash, and a digital scale. Following his arrest, Williams admitted to officers that he was at the apartment complex to sell drugs and confessed to selling drugs for the past few weeks. He also admitted to possessing the drugs recovered during his arrest.

Further investigation revealed that Williams was previously convicted in federal court for Possession with Intent to Distribute a Quantity of Cocaine Base (“crack”) and a Quantity of Marijuana, as well as Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking. Williams had been released from federal prison for approximately six months when he sold crack cocaine to the CI mentioned above. Moreover, the investigation uncovered Williams’s criminal history dating back to 2001, which includes several prior felony and misdemeanor convictions, multiple convictions for drug trafficking, and at least two prior convictions for assaulting a female. Williams was found to be responsible for the possession and distribution of 5.67 grams of crack cocaine, 26.8 grams of powder cocaine, and 22.4 grams of marijuana.

While Williams was detained pending the resolution of his case, when one of his family members passed away.  The court granted Williams a furlough to attend the funeral.  Upon Williams’ return to the Albemarle District Jail, it was discovered that Williams had swallowed a bag of marijuana, which had to be surgically removed from his throat.

Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after sentencing by Judge Louise W. Flanagan.  The Raleigh Police Department investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer C. Nucci prosecuted the case.

Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for case number 5:21-CR-00336-FL.

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Raleigh, N.C. – Ahmad Rashad McClain, a/k/a “Wop,” a longtime resident of Raleigh, was sentenced to 480 months in prison for trafficking heroin after attempting to intimidate witnesses. On June 8, 2022, Ahmad Rashad McClain pled guilty to two counts of drug trafficking.

“Tampering with witnesses and attempted intimidation is a sure-fire way to extend your stay in federal prison,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Easley. “Heroin traffickers like McClain drive addiction in our city and will do anything to dodge accountability. We are turbocharging our partnership with the Raleigh Police Department to get these dangerous narcotics – and those who supply them – off the streets.”

According to court documents and other information presented in court, McClain, age 47, was determined by Raleigh Police Department (RPD) in late 2021 to be a major distributor of heroin in the Raleigh area. This was determined by physical and electronic surveillance, the use of confidential informants, and statements from witnesses.

 On June 8, 2022, a traffic stop was made on a vehicle driven by McClain, who was later transported to his residence where a search warrant was executed. McClain was found to be in possession of heroin mixed with protonitazene and marijuana, various drug paraphernalia, and over $15,000 in cash.

As part of the investigation, witnesses provided RPD with information demonstrating that McClain was accountable for distributing over 24,000 grams of heroin over a two-year period.

The Government argued for and received an enhanced sentence because McClain was found to be intimidating witnesses before sentencing.

In five calls recorded between March 1 and March 29, McClain directed an associate to contact two confidential informants expected to provide evidence at his sentencing hearing.

Although McClain and the associate used code, it was clear from the calls that McClain was directing him to approach, or have someone else approach, the witnesses to ensure they did not testify, discussing during the calls that the Government could not tie drug weight to him without their testimony. In one call, McClain directed the associate to “…shut them arcade games off.” In another, McClain said, “Yeah, without they testimony, they… can’t do s#!@…” The associate confirmed, “You ain’t got to worry about seeing them anyway…” In many of the calls, the associate confirmed that he or one of his “boys” had made contact with the witnesses.

Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by Judge James C. Dever III. The Raleigh Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Casey L. Peaden  prosecuted the case.

This investigation was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:23-cr-00042-BO-RJ.

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RALEIGH, N.C. – A Durham man was sentenced to 84 months in prison for fraudulently obtaining over $1,300,000 in mortgages and over $1,600,000 in fraudulent Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) proceeds.  On April 13, 2023, Reynold Eugene Mullen pled guilty to the charges.

“This white-collar fraud on American taxpayers is stunning. We live in a generous nation that lends a hand to those in need,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Easley. "When defendants like Mullen take advantage of that generosity – to buy beach houses and plastic surgery – we will fight for every penny to be returned to the public purse.”

“Mullen not only used washed credit reports and fabricated bank statements to obtain mortgages; he also took advantage of aid programs intended to provide critical relief for hardworking members of our communities impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak by fraudulently obtaining pandemic program loans,” said Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation (IRS CI) Assistant Special Agent in Charge Brian Thomas, Charlotte Field Office. “IRS CI, along with our law enforcement partners remain vigilant in identifying, investigating, and recommending those individuals for prosecution who willfully seek to defraud the United States Treasury and blatantly disregard the victims of their schemes.”

According to court documents and other information presented in court, between 2019 and 2021, Reynold Eugene Mullen, 48, and his girlfriend, Tiffany Dawn Russell, used “washed” credit reports and fabricated bank statements to obtain four mortgages totaling $1,374,000, for the purchase of properties in Miami, Florida, Rocky Mount, North Carolina, and Nags Head, North Carolina.

Between March 2020 and July 2021, Mullen and Russell also submitted fraudulent EIDL and PPP applications on behalf on entities that were either owned entirely, or in part, by them. On these applications, Mullen and Russell provided false monthly payroll amounts and misrepresented the entities’ number of employees. Mullen and Russell also submitted fraudulent tax returns as part of these applications. As a result of these frauds, Mullen and Russell obtained more than $1,600,000. Mullen and Russell used the fraud proceeds to purchase six properties and pay for Mullen’s plastic surgery.

On May 25, 2022, Russell (5:20-cr-00505-D-3) was sentenced to 63 months in prison and five years of supervised release for her role in this scheme.

Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III. The Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigations, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Lisa K. Labresh  prosecuted the case.

Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:23-CR-33-D.

WILMINGTON, N.C. – U.S. Attorney Michael F. Easley, Jr. announced today that a federal jury convicted Wilmington career offender Desmond Antonio Hines, aka “Head,” of illegally possessing a gun as a felon after law enforcement recovered a loaded Glock handgun with an extended magazine that Hines tossed in azalea bushes before he could be arrested on a pending federal drug indictment. Hines has previous convictions for drug trafficking and assault, including a prior federal drug conviction. Hines, age 35, is considered a career offender and is facing up to 15 years in prison for this charge when sentenced later this year. At that time, he will also be sentenced for a drug charge he pled guilty to last year, a crime punishable with up to 30 years in prison.

“Azaleas have long held special significance to the City of Wilmington.  Today they held the key to solving a crime – the critical trial evidence that took an armed felon off the streets,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Easley. “I personally tried this case because this defendant, who went by the alias ‘Head,’ made crime his life’s work. When detectives with the Wilmington Police Department went to arrest him on federal drug charges, he evaded law enforcement, ditched a loaded Glock in a patch of bright pink azaleas, and drove away.  Thanks to concerned citizens, advanced forensics, and the dedication of the Wilmington Police Department and ATF, there is one less gun on our streets.”

According to court records and evidence presented at trial, Wilmington Police stopped Hines for traffic violations November 7, 2020. Upon approaching the car, the officer noticed an odor of marijuana and asked Hines to step out of the car to conduct a search. A blunt and some marijuana were found in the car, and during the search of Hines, the officer felt what he believed to be a metal object between the defendant’s legs. While the officer attempted to secure handcuffs, Hines tried to flee but was tackled by the officer. A subsequent search of Hines conducted at the police station uncovered a bag containing 10 oxycodone pills and about 17 grams of crack cocaine. 

On March 31, 2022, Detectives attempted to arrest Hines on federal charges related to the November 7 incident. Officers surveilled him driving a new Chrysler minivan. At one point during surveillance, officers lost sight of Hines after he made a series of evasive maneuvers. After officers located Hines and placed him into custody, 911 dispatch reported a call from area residents who saw a man meeting Hines’ description and driving a minivan stop the vehicle, walk to a patch of azalea bushes, and toss something into the bushes before driving off. Upon pulling back the bushes, witnesses saw a firearm. Police responded to the scene, which was approximately ½ mile from where Hines was arrested and recovered a semi-automatic Glock 27 Gen 4 .40 caliber handgun with an extended magazine containing 20 live rounds of ammunition.  Ten of those rounds were a distinctive, red-tipped round known as Hornady Critical Defense.  When executing a search warrant at the Defendant’s residence, detectives found a box of the same ammunition, with ten rounds missing.  Later, testing of the firearm confirmed that Hines’ DNA was present.  

“As is evident with this case, this man was a dangerous threat to public safety. Our agency will continue to relentlessly pursue criminals who decide to possess and distribute illegal narcotics within our city limits. Additionally, we will ensure that felons are held accountable for their actions when they decide to possess weapons illegally. The work our officers and detectives have put into this case is yet another example of our continued commitment to combatting drugs and gun violence in the City of Wilmington,” said Wilmington Police Chief Donny Williams.

Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after Chief U.S. District Judge Richard E. Myers II accepted the verdict. The Wilmington Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are investigating the case and U.S. Attorney Michael Easley and Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin Blondel are prosecuting the case.

The conviction is a result of the ongoing Violent Crime Action Plan (VCAP) initiative which is a collaborative effort with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, working with the community, to identify and address the most significant drivers of violent crime. VCAP involves focused and strategic enforcement, and interagency coordination and intelligence-led policing.

Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No.7:22-cr-36-M.

RALEIGH, N.C. – A federal grand jury returned an indictment, filed on Friday, June 21, 2024, charging six Raleigh men with kidnapping, robbery, use of a firearm during a violent crime and conspiracy. Some of the individuals were also charged with separate gun and drug offenses.

“Two years ago, we launched a new multi-agency partnership to drive down violent crime in Raleigh,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Easley.  “Today’s announcement shows the next phase of our strategy: a proactive focus on federal charges for violent offenders.  We want Raleigh citizens to know our partners are working around the clock to keep our city safe.”

“This is another example of how collaborative relationships between the RPD and our Federal partners facilitated through the Violent Crime Action Plan (VCAP) reduce the drivers of violence by focusing on prolific offenders and the criminal activity they propagate. Violence that wreaks havoc on our community will not be tolerated. I thank U.S. Attorney Michael Easley, the Department of Justice, and our multi-agency partners for their continued support in combating violent crime in Raleigh. This case reinforces our unwavering commitment to the safety of our residents and the relentless pursuit of justice for crime victims,” said Raleigh Police Chief Estella Patterson.

According to the indictment, Mario Scott, also known as "Homicide" or "Homi," age 21, Tyferia Shakur Sherrod, also known as "2 Wop" or "Wop," age 23, Donta Lamont Bush Jr., "Gonzo" or "Zo," age 24, Hasheem Langston, also known as "Tek," age 23, Quest Jaquan Davis, also known as "Tek," age 29, and Deivon Jalil Spidle, also known as "BDay," age 22, conspired to kidnap and rob an adult victim.

Conspirators allegedly attached a GPS tracking device to the victim’s car in order to track and target him prior to the crimes. On the night of January 15, 2024, conspirators allegedly confronted the victim and held him at gunpoint, stealing jewelry and cash from his person. Conspirators then allegedly forced the victim into a vehicle and drove him to other locations in Wendell and Knightdale as they attempted to force the victim to get family members to give the kidnappers more money. During the course of the kidnapping, conspirators allegedly tied the victim’s hands and feet with duct tape and put a trash bag over his head. Some of the conspirators also allegedly used the victim’s apartment access information to break into his home and steal additional items. Eventually, when the victim’s family members did not provide additional money, the indictment alleges the victim was told he would be killed. The victim fought one of the conspirators and was able to escape a moving vehicle. One of the conspirators allegedly shot the victim as he escaped.

Mario Scott, Tyferia Shakur Sherrod, Donta Lamont Bush, Jr., Hasheem Langston, Quest Jaquan Davis, and Deivon Jalil Spidle are charged with conspiracy to commit kidnapping, kidnapping and aiding and abetting, conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery, Hobbs Act robbery and aiding and abetting, and use and discharge of a firearm during a crime of violence and aiding and abetting. If convicted as charged, each faces a mandatory minimum of ten years’ imprisonment and a maximum possible term of life imprisonment.

Additionally, Davis is charged with possession with intent to distribute cocaine, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. If convicted as charged, he faces a mandatory minimum of fifteen years’ imprisonment and a maximum possible term of life imprisonment. Respectively, Spidle is charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. If convicted as charged, he faces a mandatory minimum of ten years’ imprisonment and a maximum possible term of life imprisonment.

On July 12, 2022, U.S. Attorney Easley announced a new federal violent crime strategy in partnership with the RPD, FBI, ATF, USMS, and Wake County DAs Office to prioritize cases against the most significant drivers of violence in the City of Raleigh. This indictment is a result of the ongoing Violent Crime Action Plan (VCAP) initiative which is collaborative effort with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, working with the community, to identify and address the most significant drivers of violent crime. VCAP involves focused and strategic enforcement, interagency coordination, and intelligence-led policing. Since inception, there have been 63 cases indicted on federal charges.

Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Raleigh Police Department are investigating the case and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarah E. Nokes and Charles E. Loeser are prosecuting the case.

An indictment is merely an accusation. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

WILMINGTON, N.C. – A Wilmington man was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison for possession of a stolen, loaded firearm, which was apprehended after he dropped it in the playground of a daycare when he was fleeing from police. On February 21, 2024, Shaquille Gregg, age 29, pled guilty to the charge. The sentence imposed is the statutory maximum for this crime.

“This Blood gang member received the maximum time behind bars after ditching a stolen gun on a daycare playground while he ran to dodge arrest,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Easley. “Officers should be commended for their work apprehending the defendant, and their quick action finding the gun before a toddler could.  This case came from our Violent Crime Action Plan (VCAP) partnership with local law enforcement to stop armed Wilmington-based gang members in their tracks.”

According to court documents and other information presented in court, on January 26, 2022, an officer with the Wilmington Police Department conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle in which Gregg was the passenger.  Once the vehicle stopped, Gregg fled from the vehicle on foot. After a brief foot chase, officers were able to apprehend Gregg. Officers retraced the path of Gregg’s flight from law enforcement and located a stolen Smith and Wesson pistol in the fenced in playground area of a daycare. Subsequent testing revealed the presence of Gregg’s DNA on the firearm.

In 2014, Gregg, a member of the Double-II Bloods, shot a man in the face and back after he questioned his gang affiliation. When officers arrested Gregg for the shooting, they located him at his residence asleep with his girlfriend’s 2-year-old daughter and a loaded, 9mm pistol under his pillow. In 2015, Gregg was convicted of assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill inflicting serious injury and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon for this conduct in New Hanover County Superior Court and was sentenced to 75 – 102 months in prison.

Gregg also has prior convictions for possession with intent to sell and deliver heroin, carrying a concealed gun, and two federal convictions for distribution of a quantity of heroin. Gregg has been validated as a member of the Bloods street gang by the North Carolina Department of Corrections.

Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Terrence W. Boyle. The FBI’s Coastal Carolina Safe Street’s Gang Task Force, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Wilmington Police Department, and the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case and Special Assistant United States Attorney William Van Trigt prosecuted the case. Van Trigt is a prosecutor with the New Hanover County District Attorney’s Office assigned to the United States Attorney’s Office to prosecute federal violent crimes and other criminal matters.  This has been made possible by a grant funded by New Hanover County.

The conviction is a result of the ongoing VCAP initiative which is collaborative effort with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, working with the community, to identify and address the most significant drivers of violent crime. VCAP involves focused and strategic enforcement, and interagency coordination and intelligence-led policing.

Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 7:22-cr-00123BO-001.

WILMINGTON, N.C. – A federal jury convicted John Joseph Simmons, II, age 34, from Nashville yesterday on charges of being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm on May 13, 2023, after he was stopped for evading barricades set up for the annual Blooming Festival in Nashville with a loaded gun in his car.

“Nashville’s annual Blooming Festival typically draws families enjoying food, music, and springtime fun. But in the last several years, the festival has sometimes drawn reckless actors with guns,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Easley. “We are proud to partner with the Nashville Police Department in its stepped-up efforts to keep the community safe.  This verdict is a clear warning to keep illegal guns away from Eastern North Carolina festivals this summer.  This former felon  dodged a police barricade with a loaded gun in the car.  He now faces a lengthy federal prison sentence.” 

According to court records and evidence presented at trial Simmons illegally possessed a firearm when he drove past a police barricade on West Washington Street in downtown Nashville on the evening of Saturday, May 13, 2023. West Washington Street was closed at the time due to ongoing festivities at the Blooming Festival, Nashville’s annual festival. Simmons, who had previously been convicted of robbery with a dangerous weapon and second-degree kidnapping in Edgecombe County was not allowed to possess a firearm. When officers stopped Simmons for driving around the barrier, they spotted a Taurus G3C 9mm handgun laying on the front passenger seat within reach of Simmons. An officer asked Simmons if he was a convicted felon and he responded by looking directly at the firearm and then stating, “that’s not mine, it’s my girlfriend’s gun,” acknowledging that he was aware the gun was in the car. The firearm was loaded with 12 rounds including one in the chamber and the firearm’s safety was not engaged. Simmons still faces charges in Nash County for DUI related to his stop.

Caleb Shockley, the Head of Investigations for the Nashville Police stated “This is a prime example of how the Nashville Police Department is and continues to collaboratively work with Federal Task Force Officers and the United States Attorney’s Office in order to secure justice for violent felons who possess firearms. This is a proactive approach to address the recent uptick in violence that Nashville has experienced, particularly firearm-related incidents at the Blooming Festival.”

Simmons faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison when sentenced on a future date.

Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after Chief U.S. District Judge Richard E. Myers II accepted the verdict. The Nashville Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations 

investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie Childress and Phil Aubart are prosecuting the case.

Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No.5:24-CR-114-M-BM.

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RALEIGH, N.C. – A Windsor man pleaded guilty today to making false statements to the United States Department of Veteran’s Affairs (VA) Crisis Line after making more than 12,000 calls to the hotline as a non-veteran, often providing fake names and addresses, and, in some cases, causing emergency services to be dispatched.

“This defendant made more than 12,000 fake cries for help to a hotline intended to provide assistance to the brave men and women who served in our military,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Easley. “This tied up hotline operators who could have been helping true veterans – not to mention the resources wasted when emergency services was dispatched.”

According to court documents and other information presented in court, Ricky Ray Ryan, Jr., 31, a non-veteran, contacted the VA Crisis Line over 12,000 times between 2016 and 2023. The VA Crisis Line is operated by the VA for veterans experiencing difficult life events or challenges after leaving the military.VA Crisis Line employees are trained to remain online with callers until their services are no longer needed or emergency services are dispatched. During each of his calls to the VA Crisis Line, Ryan, who used a software program to mask his identity, reported to be experiencing suicidal ideations, and then provided fake names, false addresses, and dates of birth. On many occasions, emergency services were dispatched in response to Ryan’s claims, but the addresses Ryan provided were either fake or not his actual address.

Ryan pleaded guilty to one count of making a false statement and faces a penalty of up to five years in prison when sentenced.

Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III accepted the plea. The United States Department of Veteran’s Affairs, Office of Investigation, is investigating the case and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Lisa K. Labresh is prosecuting the case.

Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:24-cr-1-D-RN.

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RALEIGH, N.C. – Christopher Montrell Williams, a 33-year-old resident of Goldsboro, has been sentenced to 240 months in federal prison for distributing cocaine in the Goldsboro area. Williams pled guilty on August 31, 2021.

“This sentence demonstrates that we will not tolerate drug trafficking and violence in our community. We are dedicated to protecting our residents and ensuring that those who threaten our safety are held accountable,” said Goldsboro Police Chief Michael West.

According to the court documents and other information presented in court, on March 18, 2018, the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office in Goldsboro conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Williams.  A search of the vehicle revealed a handgun, cocaine, marijuana, and a digital scale.  In October of 2018, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) began investigating Williams.  During the investigation, law enforcement conducted a number of controlled purchases of cocaine from Williams using a confidential source.  Thereafter, Williams attempted to purchase a kilogram of cocaine from a second confidential source.  On February 2, 2020, the Goldsboro Police Department conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Williams.  Williams fled the vehicle and was apprehended after a short chase by law enforcement.  Officers located a stolen, loaded .45 caliber handgun and approximately 15 grams of “crack” cocaine near the vehicle.  Officers also located a cell phone and approximately $2,800 in Williams’ possession during his arrest.  While in custody and pending sentencing, Williams engaged in a brutal attack on another inmate causing the inmate to lose consciousness, suffer injuries to his head and face, and be transported to the hospital. 

Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after sentencing by Judge James C. Dever III.  The ATF and the Goldsboro Police Department investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer C. Nucci prosecuted the case.

Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for case number 5:20-cr-0043-D.

WILMINGTON, N.C. – Today, Jordan Duncan, 29, pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting the manufacturing of a firearm as charged in a superseding criminal information filed in the Eastern District of North Carolina. This crime carries a maximum punishment of 10 years’ imprisonment.  Duncan is a former Marine assigned previously to Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville, North Carolina.

According to court documents, Duncan, with co-defendants, Paul James Kryscuk, 38, Liam Collins, 25, Justin Wade Hermanson, 25, and Joseph Maurino, 25, researched, discussed, and reviewed at length a previous attack on the power grid by an unknown group.  The group depicted in the attack used assault-style rifles in an attempt to explode a power substation. Between 2017 and 2020, Kryscuk manufactured firearms while Collins stole military gear, including magazines for assault-style rifles, and had them delivered to the other defendants.  During that time, Duncan gathered a library of information, some military-owned, regarding firearms, explosives, and nerve toxins and shared that information with Kryscuk and Collins.  In October 2020, a handwritten list of approximately one dozen intersections and places in Idaho and surrounding states was discovered in Kryscuk’s possession, including intersections and/or places containing a transformer, substation, or other component of the power grid for the northwest United States. 

Previously filed charges alleged that Collins and Kryscuk were members of and made multiple posts on the “Iron March” forum, a gathering point for young neo-Nazis to organize and recruit for extremist organizations, until the forum was closed in late 2017.  Collins and Kryscuk met through the forum and expanded their group using an encrypted messaging application as an alternate means of communication outside of the forum.  Collins and Kryscuk recruited additional members, including Duncan, Hermanson, and Maurino, and conducted training, including a live-fire training in the desert near Boise, Idaho.  From video footage recorded by the members during the training, Kryscuk, Duncan, and others produced a montage video of their training.  In the video, the participants are seen firing short barrel rifles and other assault-type rifles, and the end of the propaganda video shows the four participants outfitted in AtomWaffen masks giving the “Heil Hitler” sign, beneath the image of a black sun, a Nazi symbol.  The last frame bears the phrase, “Come home white man.”  Prior to their arrests, Collins and Duncan had relocated to Idaho from North Carolina and Texas, respectively, to be near Kryscuk.

Kryscuk, Collins, Maurino and Hermanson earlier entered pleas of guilty to various crimes: on February 15, 2022, Kryscuk entered a plea of guilty to conspiracy to destroy an energy facility, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years imprisonment; on October 24, 2023, Collins pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting the interstate transportation of unregistered firearms, which carries a maximum of 10 years’ imprisonment;  and on March 8, 2023 and April 11, 2023, respectively, Hermanson and Maurino pleaded guilty to  conspiracy to manufacture firearms and ship interstate, which carries a maximum sentence of five years’ imprisonment.

All five defendants now await sentencing before Chief United States District Judge Richard E. Myers II.

Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement. The Naval Criminal Investigative Service, the FBI Salt Lake City and Charlotte Field Offices with assistance from Fields Offices in Boston, New York, and Newark, the Boise Police Department, the United States Postal Inspection Service, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, are investigating the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Barbara Kocher of the Eastern District of North Carolina and Trial Attorney John Cella of the Justice Department’s National Security Division, are prosecuting the case, with assistance from Assistant United States Attorneys for the District of Idaho, District of New Jersey, Eastern District of New York, and the District of Rhode Island.

Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 7:20-CR-167-M.

NEW BERN, N.C. – Timothy Mark Blackmon, a 29-year-old resident of Burgaw, has been sentenced to 198 months in prison for possessing counterfeit pills laced with fentanyl with the intent to distribute them in the Wilmington area. The counterfeit pills were made to look like a variety of prescription drugs, including Percocet, Hydrocodone and Oxycodone.  Blackmon pled guilty on August 15, 2023.

“Counterfeit pills laced with deadly fentanyl are made in makeshift labs with no quality control.  They are driving American addiction and overdoses at a staggering rate,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Easley.  “Never take a pill that wasn’t prescribed by your doctor.  It could be your last.  This defendant hid fentanyl pills in a bag of M&Ms and stashed thousands of pills in air vents in his home.  The DEA and Pender County Sheriff’s Office did incredible work getting these pills off the street and may have saved lives.”

According to court documents and other information presented in court, in November of 2021 law enforcement received information that Blackmon was distributing counterfeit fentanyl pills throughout the Wilmington area.  Law enforcement began an investigation and learned that Blackmon would travel to California to purchase the pills.  Blackmon would then ship the counterfeit pills through the U.S. Postal Service (USPSS) back to the Eastern District of North Carolina for further distribution.  During the investigation law enforcement learned that Blackmon had recently traveled to California.  On November 18, 2021, law enforcement located Blackmon at the San Diego Airport preparing to board a plane to travel back to North Carolina.  Blackmon was found to be in possession of a counterfeit fentanyl pill, more than $7000 in cash, and a USPS receipt for a package that had been shipped on November 16, 2021, destined for Wilmington, N.C.  Ultimately, law enforcement located the package which contained more than five thousand of counterfeit fentanyl pills concealed in a package that contained toys and candy, including some pills hidden in a bag of candy.

On November 19, 2021, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Pender County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at Blackmon’s residence during which law enforcement seized more than 11,000 counterfeit fentanyl pills concealed in air vents in Blackmon’s bedroom, over $87,000 in cash, and a small amount of cocaine.  Flight records for Blackmon obtained by law enforcement also confirmed repeated trips to California and Arizona from March of 2021 through November of 2021. Information presented to the Court established that Blackmon would travel to California approximately once a month to purchase approximately 5,000-10,000 fentanyl pills from his source of supply and have them shipped back to North Carolina for further distribution. A DEA analysis of the pills found in the search confirmed the presence of fentanyl.

Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after sentencing by Judge Louise W. Flanagan.  The Pender County Sheriff’s Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer C. Nucci prosecuted the case.

A copy of this press release is located on our website. Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for case number 7:23-cr-00030-FL.

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RALEIGH, N.C. – Felicia Moore Jones, 52, was sentenced to 14 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release for conspiring to defraud North Carolina Medicaid of more than $400,000. Jones was also ordered to pay $400,000 in restitution.

“This defendant used her government position to steal from a government program intended to help the needy,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Easley. “Now, she will be forced to repay what she took and spend the next 14 months behind bars.”

Jones was a social worker in New Hanover County who conspired with a licensed mental health counselor, Lakia Washington, to defraud North Carolina Medicaid (“Medicaid”).  Jones used her government employment to obtain personally identifying information (PII) of New Hanover County residents enrolled in Medicaid, including their Medicaid ID numbers.  In exchange for an agreed-upon fee per beneficiary, Jones then provided the PII to Washington, knowing it would be used to generate fraudulent claims for services never rendered.  Investigators have attributed over $400,000 of Washington’s fraudulent Medicaid billing to the beneficiary PII Jones provided to Washington.  Washington pled guilty late last year and is awaiting sentencing.

“When people defraud the Medicaid program, they are defrauding North Carolina’s taxpayers,” said Attorney General Josh Stein. “I will continue to do everything I can to protect North Carolinians’ investment and hold perpetrators accountable.”

“HHS-OIG, along with our law enforcement partners, is committed to holding individuals responsible for failing to safeguard confidential patient information,” said Special Agent in Charge Tamala E. Miles of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “Ms. Jones was a social worker who violated the trust of her duties by accessing the personal and health data of Medicaid recipients and using the confidential information for personal gain.”

The Center for Medicaid Services, within the federal Department of Health and Human Services, is responsible for overseeing the Medicaid program in North Carolina, which has been administered by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services since 1978.  Medicaid providers are assigned a National Provider Identifier, which they use to submit claims for reimbursement for services rendered to Medicaid beneficiaries.

Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Terrence W. Boyle announced the sentence. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General, led the investigation with the assistance North Carolina Medicaid Investigations Division, and Assistant U.S. Attorney David G. Beraka prosecuted the case.

Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:23-CR-00377-BO.

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ELIZABETH CITY, N.C. – A Tarboro  man was sentenced to 96 months in prison for armed drug trafficking. On March 5, 2024, Drako Butler, age 35, pled guilty to the charges.

“Narcotics, guns, and money are a recipe for disaster,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Easley.  “This Tarboro drug trafficker was heavily armed, stocked with narcotics, and flush with cash when officers searched his property.  Searches turned up eleven guns, including assault rifles and a fifty-round drum magazine, alongside all the hallmarks of a committed drug trafficker – digital scales, money counters, and a hoard of narcotics.  Drug traffickers should take note - our partnerships in Nash and Edgecombe Counties have never been stronger and federal crimes mean federal time.”

According to court documents and other information presented in court, Butler became the subject of an investigation after Nash County Sheriff’s Office Deputies stopped his vehicle on May 31, 2023, and found cocaine, marijuana, marijuana edibles (THC), and a 9mm semi-automatic firearm loaded with 24 rounds of ammunition. Following that stop, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Nash and Edgecombe County Sheriff’s Offices, and the Tarboro and Rocky Mount Police Department (RMPD) executed a search warrant on Butler’s residence on June 6, 2023. Inside, they found cocaine, methamphetamine, psilocin, marijuana; more than $26,000 in cash; six firearms (four AR-style rifles, a shotgun, and a pistol), an undetermined number of orange-colored pills, six digital scales, a money counter, six glass pipes, and counterfeit currency. Butler admitted to dealing marijuana after his arrest on June 6, 2023, but was released on bond.

On November 29, 2023, law enforcement officers searched Butler’s new residence while executing a federal arrest warrant for the drugs and guns found during the June search. Officers found more than 15 pounds of marijuana, along with cocaine and five more firearms (a 5.56 caliber rifle, a .22 long rifle caliber rifle, a 10mm handgun, a 9mm handgun with an obliterated serial number, and a 50-round drum loaded magazine, and a 9mm handgun with an extended magazine), assorted ammunition, six $100 bills of counterfeit currency, digital scales, a money counter, and glass pipes. Butler again admitted to investigators that he sold marijuana.

Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Terrence W. Boyle. The DEA, the Nash and Edgecombe County Sheriff’s Offices, and the Tarboro and Rocky Mount Police Departments investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Phil Aubart  prosecuted the case.

Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:23-cr-00063-BO-RN.

 

 

NEW BERN, N.C. – A Plymouth man was sentenced to 120 months in prison for possessing a firearm as a felon that he allegedly used to shoot a rival gang member on the afternoon of Sunday, July 25, 2021.  On March 12, 2024, Melvin Donnell Gilliam, age 35, pled guilty to the charges.

“We’re meeting gun violence head on, working side by side with local law enforcement to dismantle violent gangs and get shooters off the streets,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Easley. “Many thanks to the FBI and our local partners for helping to keep our streets safe all across North Carolina.  We’ll keep up the work until every community can live, work, and play in peace.” 

According to court documents and other information presented in court, Gilliam, a member of the Nine-Trey Bloods and another individual went to a home in the White City neighborhood of Plymouth, where two members of a rival gang, the Eight-Trey Crips, were located. Gilliam engaged in a verbal altercation with the rivals and then brandished a firearm as the other man he arrived with knocked one of the rivals to the ground. Gilliam is then alleged to have opened fire at one of the rivals, striking him in the back and left thigh. When officers arrived, they discovered a Springfield Armory Hellcat 9mm pistol with blood on it in a trashcan in the backyard of the residence where the shooting took place. Officers also found three shell casings that matched the gun in the trashcan. The N.C. State Crime Lab tested the blood on the firearm and hypothesized that it was much more likely Gilliam’s DNA than not.

Gilliam is charged in state court with assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill inflicting serious injury, discharging a firearm within city limits, assault with a deadly weapon and being a habitual felon. These charges remain pending.

Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Louise W. Flanagan. The FBI  investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Phil Aubart  prosecuted the case.

Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:22-CR-16-FL.

WILMINGTON, N.C. – A Kinston man was sentenced today to 240 months imprisonment followed by 10 years of supervised release for distributing child pornography following a multi-agency investigation showing that the man had possessed and/or distributed at least 132 images and 43 videos of child pornography often involving children under the age of 12. Martin Sutton, age 54, pled guilty to the charge on February 7, 2024. The defendant was also ordered to pay $5,000 in restitution to one known victim.

According to court documents and other information presented in court, Sutton was investigated by multiple law enforcement agencies in June and November of 2020 after receiving reports from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that he had uploaded child pornography to two different Dropbox accounts. Furthermore, in February 2021, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in Utah conducted an online, covert investigation on Kik social media locating individuals trading child pornography in chat groups.  They identified Sutton as being part of a group sharing child pornography.  The FBI undercover agent engaged in a conversation with Sutton who ended up sending child pornography to the agent. In March 2021, a Homeland Security Task Force Officer from the Boone Police Department, engaged in an undercover operation, also located Sutton distributing child pornography in a different Kik chat group.

Arrest warrants were issued for Sutton based on the totality of the investigations, and he was arrested in June 2021.  When he was arrested, Sutton denied any involvement in child sexual exploitation.  He claimed someone had stolen his identity and was engaged in the criminal conduct.  His cellular device was seized and searched.  A forensic analysis showed images and videos of child pornography present on his phone including images of a child that had been entrusted to Sutton’s care.  

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC.

Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after the sentencing was concluded.  Chief U.S. District Judge Richard E. Myers II presided over the sentencing.  The Pitt County Sheriff’s Office, Department of Homeland Security and the FBI investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Charity Wilson prosecuted the case.

Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:22-CR-55-M.

RALEIGH, N.C. – Treveris Montel Coward, a/k/a “Bad News,” a 31-year-old resident of Raleigh, has been sentenced to 180 months in prison for aiding and abetting the distribution of fentanyl in the Raleigh area. On April 11, 2017, Coward, assisted in the distribution of fentanyl to a 22-year-old young woman who overdosed and died.  Coward pled guilty on October 4, 2022.

“Drug dealers are increasingly selling drugs laced with deadly fentanyl to make them stronger, more addictive, and more profitable.  Now thousands of North Carolinians, including kids, are dying from overdoses,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Easley.  “This defendant was the worst kind of coward, rendering aid to an overdose victim only to sell her one final deadly dose.  Narcotics dealers take note of this 15-year sentence – if your drugs kill, you will pay a heavy price.”

According to the court documents and other information presented in court, on April 11, 2017, the Raleigh Police Department (RPD) responded to a 911 call for a suspected overdose death.  The investigation that followed confirmed that a 22-year-old young woman lost her life due to a fentanyl overdose.  Ultimately, law enforcement learned that Coward assisted in the distribution of the fentanyl that led to the woman’s death.  On April 10, 2017, the victim had previously received suspected fentanyl from Coward’s girlfriend, Amanda McLeod, and suffered an overdose.  Coward and his co-defendant were called to the scene of the overdose.  Coward rendered aid and the victim survived.  However, despite the victim’s recent overdose, Coward and McLeod provided the victim with additional fentanyl the following day, sourced by Coward’s co-defendant, Reginald Webb, which caused her to overdose and die.

On February 3, 2021, McLeod (5:20-cr-533-D-1) pled guilty to distributing a quantity of fentanyl and aiding and abetting and is awaiting sentencing. On January 5, 2024, Webb (5:21-cr-00148-D-1) pled guilty to distributing fentanyl and heroin and was sentenced to 198 months in prison.

Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after sentencing by Judge James C. Dever III.  The Raleigh Police Department investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer C. Nucci prosecuted the case.

Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for case number 5:21-cr-00148-D-2.

RALEIGH, N.C. – A Fayetteville man was sentenced to the statutory maximum of 120 months in prison for possession of a firearm by a felon after his involvement in a drive-by shooting.  On March 13, 2024, Daron Owens, 22, pled guilty to the charge.

According to court documents and other information presented in court, on November 24, 2021, Daron Owens conducted a drive-by shooting into a vehicle on Bragg Boulevard in Fayetteville. Evidence revealed seven bullet holes in the passenger side of the vehicle, and the victim sustained three gunshot wounds.

On December 7, 2021, officers executed an arrest warrant at Owens’ residence. Owens attempted to flee through the back door, however, was quickly apprehended by the officers. Officers executed a search warrant at the residence and recovered two firearms that matched the shell casings recovered from the drive-by shooting from Owens’ bedroom. The officers also recovered and searched Owens’ phone. In a conversation with a subject, the subject sent Owens pictures of the victim’s vehicle and its location on Bragg Boulevard prior to the shooting. Owens responded “done” and a “checkmark emoji” indicating that the shooting was planned and completed by Owens. Additionally, there were pictures on Owens’ phone of him possessing firearms. Owens has previous convictions for larceny, involuntary manslaughter, eluding arrest with a motor vehicle, larceny of a motor vehicle and multiple counts of breaking or entering a motor vehicle.

The conviction is a result of the ongoing Violent Crime Action Plan (VCAP) initiative which is a collaborative effort with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, working with the community, to identify and address the most significant drivers of violent crime. VCAP involves focused and strategic enforcement, and interagency coordination and intelligence-led policing.

Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by Chief U.S. District Judge Richard E. Myers II. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Fayetteville Police Department investigated the case and former Assistant United States Attorney Chad Rhoades and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jaren E. Kelly  prosecuted the case.

Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:22-CR-00229-M.

RALEIGH, N.C. – An Edenton man was sentenced today to 102 months in prison followed by 120 months of supervised release for receiving child pornography after his devices were found to contain over 3,000 images of child pornography, including images and videos of infants, toddlers and very young children. The defendant was also ordered to pay $107,000 in restitution to 16 known victims.

“The United States Attorney’s Office and Homeland Security Investigations have built a wonderful relationship with Chowan Sheriff’s Office and the Edenton Police Department which has allowed our community and citizens to feel safe in our bedroom community and for that I say thank you,” said Edenton Police Chief Henry King.

According to court documents and other information presented in court, Matterson Xavier Rusyn, 61, was investigated by the Chowan County Sheriff’s Office after Microsoft reported one of its users uploaded an image of child pornography into a reverse Bing image search to find similar images.  Microsoft made the report to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children who forwarded the report to the Chowan County Sheriff’s Office who learned the IP address used to upload the images were connected to Rusyn.

A search warrant was executed at Rusyn’s residence.  Rusyn was present for the search warrant and admitted he was collecting child pornography images and videos.  Multiple digital devices including cell phone, computers and hard drives were seized.  Those devices were forensically analyzed and found to contain over 3,000 images of child pornography.  Rusyn’s collection of images and videos included infants, toddlers, and very young children as well as images depicting sadistic and masochistic conduct. 

Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after the sentencing was concluded.  U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III presided over the sentencing.  The Chowan County Sheriff’s Office and the Department of Homeland Security investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Charity Wilson prosecuted the case.

Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:23-CR-16-D.

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RALEIGH, N.C. – Tana Eguasa Hill, 43, pled guilty pursuant to a criminal information to theft of government funds for fraudulently submitting North Carolina Housing Opportunities and Prevention of Evictions (NC HOPE) loan applications for emergency rental assistance.  As part of her fraud scheme, the defendant, a correctional officer with the North Carolina Department of Corrections (NCDOC), submitted fictitious tenant lease agreements for multiple properties in Hertford County as part of her NC HOPE loan applications.  She faces up to 10 years in prison.

On March 27, 2020, Congress enacted the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which was designed to provide emergency financial assistance to millions of Americans who were suffering the economic effects caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.  One source of relief provided by the CARES Act was the authorization of $5 billion in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) programs as flexible federal funding to states and localities earmarked to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the coronavirus pandemic. The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) administers the CDBG program as a source of flexible federal funding for economic and community development, as well as to direct long-term recovery funding to states and localities in response to disasters and emergencies.

The State of North Carolina’s Office of Recovery and Resiliency (NCORR), a division of the North Carolina Department of Public Safety, utilized federal funds made available in the CARES Act to assist North Carolina renters stay in their homes during COVID-19 by preventing evictions and the loss of utility services.  The NC HOPE program utilized an initial $51.5 million allocation of CDBG funds from the CARES Act to provide housing and utility assistance.  The State of North Carolina also received CRF funds from the CARES Act, of which $66 million was allocated to pay administrative costs associated with the NC HOPE program.

In November 2023, Ms. Hills’ husband, Sean Dillard (2:23-CR-00011), was sentenced for the same crime.

Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after sentencing by United States Magistrate Judge Robert B. Jones, Jr.  accepted the plea.  Sentencing will occur before United States District Judge Louise W. Flanagan later this year.  The FBI is leading the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Ethan Ontjes is prosecuting the case.

Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for 2:24-CR-00003-FL.

RALEIGH, N.C. – U.S. Attorney Michael Easley joined national, state, and local leaders in recognizing World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD), which is on June 15. Since 2006, WEAAD has been commemorated to promote awareness and increase understanding of the many forms of elder abuse and the resources available to those at risk.

Highlighting the partnership between law enforcement and the public, U.S. Attorney Easley emphasized the importance of awareness and education. To help build awareness, the office is hosting three community events with Meals on Wheels, AARP, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, where elder abuse will be discussed with the public.

“Respecting our elders is a core American value,” said U.S. Attorney Easley. “But too many crooks see our seniors as targets for financial scams. We are prioritizing cases with elderly victims to help stop the frauds and cheats trying to rob our seniors. Learn the signs of elder fraud and abuse. Together, we can give our older generation the respect they deserve.”

“The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is dedicated to investigating individuals who abuse consumer trust and target the elderly and vulnerable individuals because of greed,” said U.S. Postal Inspector in Charge Tommy D. Coke of the Atlanta Division. “Postal Inspectors, along with our federal partners, are committed to preventing these bad actors from taking advantage of our elderly population by educating the community with common signs that are indicative of fraud.”

Starting this week, the office is hosting three community outreach events, all open to the public. Media interested in attending should RSVP to the email above and plan to arrive at least 15 minutes early for set up.

• Raleigh on Tuesday, June 11 at noon, at the Friendship Café [Capital Towers, 4808 Six Forks Road, Bldg. 2].
• Wake Forest on Wednesday, June 12 at 11:30 a.m., at the Friendship Café - Northern Wake Senior Center [234 E. Holding Ave.].
• Supply on Monday, June 15 at 1 p.m. at The Brunswick Center at Supply, [101 Stone Chimney Road] This event is co-hosted by Brunswick Senior Resources, Inc.

“Scams and fraud that target older adults remain one of the worst forms of elder abuse. When it comes to fighting back, knowledge is power. We are working together so more people know how to prevent, spot, and report scams. We also want victims to know that they are not alone and free help and support from trained volunteers is available,” said AARP North Carolina Director Mike Olender. “Attempts at the financial exploitation of our elderly population are rampant. The resources and information provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for our seniors will help them discern fraudulent and predatory practices and provides them with the resources to hold any bad actors accountable. This information ensures safer and more empowered financial futures for seniors and destigmatizes seeking help in the event that a senior does fall victim to a financial scam. We want to thank the U.S. Attorney's office for taking the time to present this information to our senior clients.” 

Elder abuse is an act that knowingly, intentionally, or negligently causes or creates a serious risk of harm to an older person by a family member, caregiver, or other person in a trust relationship. Such harm may be financial, physical, sexual, or psychological. In addition to these prosecutions, the Justice Department maintains various programs and initiatives to combat elder abuse.

The Transnational Elder Fraud Task Force marshals federal and state agencies working collaboratively to investigate and prosecute foreign-based schemes that target older Americans. In addition to aggressively investigating the individuals, organizations, and networks responsible for these crimes, this initiative provides the public with information to guard against both traditional scams, like tech support fraud, and trending schemes, such as romance scams.

Using one scam to perpetrate or conceal another, some fraudsters rely on money mules to move the proceeds of their illegal activity. Preying on their targets’ goodwill or financial vulnerability, scammers recruit people, many times older victims, to participate in schemes to move money in ways that avoid notice. The Money Mule Initiative identifies and addresses money mule activity to disrupt these fraud schemes and helps people to recognize and avoid participation in perpetuating fraud.

To help older individuals and their families identify and avoid fraudulent activity, the Justice Department provides Senior Scam Alerts with information about the tactics used in specific schemes. For example, in Social Security Administration Impostor schemes, scammers impersonate government administrators and falsely report suspicious activity to request that the victims provide their Social Security numbers for confirmation. In Tech Support scams, fraudsters contact victims, sometimes through internet pop-up messages, to warn about non-existent computer problems, ask that the victim give them remote access to their computer, and identify a non-existent problem, then demand large sums of money for unnecessary services. In Lottery scams, telemarketers falsely notify victims that they have won a sweepstakes and tell them they must first pay fees for shipping, insurance, customs duties, or taxes before they can claim their prizes.

Please visit the Elder Justice Initiative page to learn more about the department’s elder justice efforts.

To report elder fraud, contact the dedicated National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-FRAUD-11 or 1-833-372-8311 and visit the FBI’s IC3 Elder Fraud Complaint Center at IC3.gov. 

RALEIGH, N.C. – Two members of a New Bern family were sentenced for their role in a scheme to defraud a program designed to help struggling North Carolina residents stay in their homes during the COVID-19 pandemic. Takeeia Hawkins, age 43, and her daughter, Shanasia Hawkins, age 22, both pled guilty to conspiracy to commit mail fraud earlier this year. Takeeia Hawkins was sentenced to 36 months in prison for her role in the scheme, while Shanasia Hawkins was sentenced to 15 months in prison.  

Both women claimed to be landlords of properties in Eastern North Carolina, with tenants who were unable to pay rent due to the Covid-19 pandemic.  They submitted fraudulent applications to the NC HOPE Program (North Carolina Housing Opportunities and Prevention of Evictions Program), which was established during Covid to provide emergency rental assistance to tenants who struggled to pay rent and therefore faced eviction due to financial difficulties caused by the pandemic.  The two women received nearly $150,000 in federal funds, which was largely spent on gifts and gambling.   

“This case represents yet another example of the greedy taking from the needy,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Easley. “COVID-19 monies were set aside to help struggling families pay their rent, and these defendants stole it.  This office will continue its vigorous pursuit of those who used the pandemic to turn a fraudulent profit.”

“The fraud committed by the defendants diverted critical taxpayer money that was intended to help families during an unprecedented pandemic,” said Acting Special Agent-in-Charge George Richardson with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General.  “HUD OIG remains steadfast in its commitment to working with our prosecutorial and law enforcement partners to aggressively pursue those who engage in activities that threaten the integrity of HUD programs.”

“As many families continue to struggle with the aftermath of COVID-19, today's sentencing offers a renewed hope in our criminal justice system. There are consequences for those who seek to exploit and harm others during vulnerable times. This is a testament to justice prevailing and individuals being held accountable. We are grateful for our partners and the investigators, agents, and prosecutors who saw this case through,” said SBI Director Robert Schurmeier.

Rich Delmar, the Treasury Acting Inspector General, stated, “Treasury OIG’s oversight is a key factor in assuring the integrity and effectiveness of this and many other pandemic recovery programs on which millions of Americans rely.”

Several other family members and acquaintances of the Hawkins are also implicated in the scheme to defraud the NC HOPE Program.  Takeeia Hawkins’ son, Jmari Hawkins, age 24, and two other conspirators, Jonell Ojeda, age 23, and Tevin Evans, age 26, have also pled guilty in the scheme to fraudulently obtain more than $850,000 in emergency rental assistance from the NC HOPE Program. All three are set to be sentenced later this summer.

The NC HOPE Program administered federal COVID-19 relief funds and provided emergency rental assistance to North Carolina renters who faced eviction and homelessness during the pandemic.  The Program allowed renters to submit an online application to apply for rental assistance.  If approved, the Program paid the tenant’s rent, in checks sent directly to the landlord, for up to 15 months of overdue or future rent payments. 

Takeeia, Shanasia, and Jmari Hawkins, along with Jonell Ojeda and Tevin Evans all admitted to falsely claiming to be landlords of multiple properties in North Carolina. In total, the group attempted to defraud the NC HOPE Program out of more than $870,000 and were ultimately successful in obtaining more than $250,000 in stolen COVID-19 relief funds.

Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after sentencing by United States District Judge Terrence W. Boyle.  The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General; the United States Department of Treasury, Office of Inspector General; and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation investigated the case and it is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Haughton.

 Related court documents and information are located on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for United States v. Takeeia Hawkins, Case No. 5:23-00380; United States v. Shanasia Hawkins, Case No. 5:23-CR-00379; Unites States v. Jmari Hawkins et al, Case No. 5:23-cr-00300; United States v. Tevin Evans, Case No 5:24-CR-00054.

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RALEIGH, N.C. – Daquan Rosenboro, age 24, of Grifton, a validated member of the Crips gang, was sentenced to 132 months in federal prison for nine separate charges related to trafficking methamphetamine and illegal possession of a firearm by a felon. Roseboro pled guilty to the charges earlier this year.

“Trafficking high-purity meth with a toddler in the car and brandishing guns and dope in hype videos with small children - it’s a level of recklessness we rarely see,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Easley.   “The Craven County Sheriff’s swift action ensures this validated Crips gang member won’t put kids at risk again anytime soon.” 

Sheriff Chip Hughes stated, “This prosecution represents our emphasis on investigating and convicting high-priority gang related drug dealers.  We appreciate the cooperation of our local and Federal law enforcement partners and the work of the U.S. Attorney's Office in putting this dangerous felon behind bars.”

According to court documents and other information presented in court, the Craven County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) began investigating Rosenboro after learning that he was trafficking drugs in and around Craven County.  Between December 6, 2022, and January 26, 2023, law enforcement made multiple controlled purchases of high-purity methamphetamine from Rosenboro, including a controlled purchase of 54 grams of methamphetamine where a toddler was in the rear of the vehicle occupied by Rosenboro at the time of the sale. Rosenboro also sold a SAR 9mm handgun to someone working at the direction of law enforcement. Rosenboro had a prior felony conviction, which prohibited him from owning a handgun. Rosenboro was arrested on January 26, 2023. Following his arrest, a search of his residence uncovered various illegal drugs, a loaded .22 caliber rifle with a large capacity magazine, and 27 rounds of .22 caliber ammunition.

During the investigation, agents discovered videos of Rosenboro with suspected methamphetamine. The videos show him dancing with an AR-style pistol tucked into his waistband and holding cash while small children can be seen in the background. Law enforcement determined that one of the $100 bills Rosenboro held in the video was part of the government funds utilized in an undercover purchase from him.

Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after the sentencing was concluded.  U.S. District Judge Terrence W. Boyle presided over the sentencing.  ATF, the Craven and Lenoir County Sheriff’s Offices, and the Kinston, Grifton, and New Bern Police Departments investigated the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy Severo prosecuted the case.

Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:23-CR-00010-BO-BM.

WILMINGTON, N.C. – A federal jury convicted an Ahoskie man this week on charges of being a felon in possession of ammunition.

“Gun violence and attacks on law enforcement officers are an attack on the rule of law itself,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Easley.  “We are prioritizing any case where a felon draws, levels, or fires a gun at law enforcement.  I personally met with the deputies in this case and commend their courage and poise under fire.  They did their jobs honorably, and we are proud to do ours in securing this guilty verdict.  The people of North Carolina should be grateful for their sacrifice and thankful they survived.”  

Hertford County Sheriff Dexter Hayes stated, “July 16 changed these deputies’ lives, today justice for that horrible day has been served. Thank you to the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our FBI partners for their time and effort they put into the case. Thank you to the Deputies who were involved in this case – they did an outstanding job on July 16, 2023, and continue to do so today.”

According to court records and evidence presented at trial, Talametrius Kenyon Spruill, 42, possessed four cartridge casings that were left behind after he fired at Hertford County Sheriff’s Deputies in the early morning hours of July 16, 2023. Deputies responded to a call about a suspicious person after a woman reported that someone was banging on her window at 3am that morning. The first responding Deputy found Spruill sitting in the front passenger seat of the homeowner’s vehicle, holding a firearm. The Deputy ordered Spruill to put the gun away when Spruill fled to the wood line behind the residence. The second Deputy saw Spruill in the wood line as he pulled up in his squad car. The Deputy immediately exited his vehicle with his gun drawn and announced, “Sheriff’s Office, Show me your hands!” as he approached Spruill, who was now crouched in a shallow drainage ditch behind a neighboring house. Spruill did not show his hands and instead fired a Glock 19 semiautomatic handgun four times at the Deputy. The Deputy retreated and returned fire while tripping over a doghouse on the property and getting bit by the resident dog. Despite the exchange of gunfire, neither the Deputy nor Spruill was struck. Spruill managed to evade Deputies and ditch his firearm in a junkyard. On the evening of July 17, 2023, Hertford County Deputies were dispatched to call about a suspicious person four miles away in Aulander, where they found Spruill attempting to crawl under his aunt’s home. Spruill was arrested and interviewed by the FBI, where he confessed that he was at the original crime scene, ran from the police, and discharged his firearm before getting rid of it in the junkyard. A video of the pursuit may be viewed here.

Spruill faces a maximum penalty of 180 months in prison when sentenced on a future date. Spruill still faces state charges of two counts of attempted murder and two counts of assault with a deadly weapon on government officials and possession of a firearm by a felon related to this incident.

Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after Chief U.S. District Judge Richard E. Myers II accepted the verdict. Hertford County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Phil Aubart and Kimberly Dixon is prosecuted the 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 gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.

Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No.4:23-cr-00041-M-BM.

RALEIGH, N.C. – A Pennsylvania man was sentenced today to 120 months imprisonment followed by 60 months of supervised release for online enticement of a minor after text messages between the defendant, James Julius Caton, age 29, and the minor victim that were sexual in nature were uncovered on the victim’s phone. The messages include discussion of Caton traveling from Pennsylvania to North Carolina to have sex with the victim. Caton pled guilty to the charge on February 22, 2024.

According to court documents and other information presented in court, Caton was investigated by the Cary Police Department after a mom found sexual text messages between Caton and her 13-year-old child. Law enforcement analyzed the child’s phone and interviewed the child. It was learned Caton first reached out to the child on Omegle, a free, web-based online chat service that allowed users to socialize without the need to register. The conversation moved to Snapchat and Instagram, and later to text messages. Search warrants were obtained for both Caton’s and the victim’s Snapchat and Instagram accounts, where sexually explicit conversations between the two were discovered.   In text messages between the two, Caton encouraged the child to send pictures of their genitals to Caton.  In addition, Caton and the child discussed meeting to engage in sexual activities. 

Caton was arrested in Pennsylvania where he was living.  His digital devices were analyzed in Pennsylvania and law enforcement found unrelated images and videos of child pornography on his cellular device.

Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after the sentencing was concluded.  U.S. District Judge Terrence W. Boyle presided over the sentencing.  The Cary Police Department and the Department of Homeland Security investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Charity Wilson prosecuted the case.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC.

Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:23-CR-341-BO.

RALEIGH, N.C. – A Huntington Beach, California, man was arrested today on federal charges relating to sending threats to individuals and knowingly making false bomb threats. Kevin Dunlow, age 62, is charged in a complaint unsealed today in the U.S. District Court of the Eastern District of North Carolina following his arrest in California. He will have his initial appearance today, and his detention hearing will be set at a later date.

“Hate-fueled, violent threats endanger the safety of individuals and entire communities,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “This defendant is accused of making explicit and detailed threats, ranging from making a bomb threat against the Wake County Sheriff’s Office, to threatening an elected official, to telling a Rabbi, ‘I am coming to the Temple to kill all the Jews and the children.’  The Justice Department will prosecute anyone who makes illegal threats motivated by antisemitism or bias of any kind.”

“We will not normalize violent threats in America, whether targeting law enforcement, elected officials, or average citizens,” said U.S. Attorney Michael F. Easley, Jr.  “The complaint alleges the defendant made violent threats against people of faith, cops, and public servants.  These cases will always receive our highest attention.” 

According to the affidavit in support of the criminal complaint, Dunlow made numerous threats targeting multiple entities and individuals, including an elected official, members of law enforcement, and several synagogues located in North Carolina, while residing in California at the time the threats were made. On or about May 7, 2024, Dunlow allegedly stated, “Jews didn’t deserve to live. Jews didn’t deserve to be on this earth. I’m going to kill the Jews. I’m coming to the Temple to kill all the Jews and the children.”

In addition, Dunlow allegedly made a false bomb threat to the Wake County Sheriff’s Office.

Dunlow is charged with illegally using any form of communication to send a threat to harm or kidnap another person intentionally, and he is charged with illegally knowingly making false reports about bombs and faces five years in prison, on each charge, if convicted. 

Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is investigating the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Gabriel Diaz is prosecuting it.

The FBI Los Angeles Field Office and the Department of Justice’s National Security Section assisted with the case

Related court documents and information are located on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No.5:24-MJ-1651-BM.

A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

RALEIGH, N.C. – Christopher Arthur, 40, was sentenced today to a total of 300 months’ imprisonment for teaching another individual how to make and use an explosive knowing that the individual intended to use that instruction in the murder or attempted murder of federal law enforcement. In July 2023, he was convicted by a jury on that crime and eight additional counts, including receiving and possessing unregistered devices including a short-barreled rifle, a silencer, three improvised hand grenades, and an improvised claymore mine.

“Violence directed towards police, judges, and public servants will never be tolerated in a free society,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Easley. “This defendant’s property was wired with IEDs, the same design he sold to help others kill American law enforcement.  Anyone teaching bombmaking to target American heroes gets a lesson today - 25 years in federal prison.”

“At a time when law enforcement officers are being feloniously killed at an alarming rate, it is appalling to know what Christopher Arthur did. He made a living training people how to kill or injure those who proudly wear the badge. Now he will spend time in federal prison for his dangerous and deadly lessons,” said Robert M DeWitt, FBI Special Agent in Charge.

During his sentencing hearing, the court heard how Arthur and his company trained individuals to fight “the greatest threat” –   a threat he identified as a militarized force like law enforcement’s Special Warfare and Tactics (SWAT) Team. Also, evidence was presented related to a three-part, how-to video series about how to overthrow the government. During one of those videos, an image reads “Start with your LOCAL Government” and “Set the Standard -> Traitors get HUNG” over the image of a noose. Based on that and Arthur’s teaching of bombmaking to an individual knowing that they intended to use that instruction to murder or attempt to murder federal law enforcement, the court applied the terrorism enhancement for sentencing. Relying on this evidence and that presented at trial, the court imposed a maximum sentence on each of the nine counts of conviction.

The investigation into Arthur began after another individual died in a May 2022 shootout with police in New York. Search warrants related to that event resulted in the location of numerous Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and firearms along with multiple “Tackleberry Solutions” tactical instructional manuals which named Christopher Arthur as the author.  A review of the individual’s cell phone revealed Arthur had trained him in Mount Olive, North Carolina, for multiple days in March 2020.

On March 19, 2021, a confidential source (CS) working with the FBI requested training from Arthur.  After receiving introductory training materials, the CS attended training on explosives at Arthur’s Mount Olive home in May 2021.  During discussions between the CS and Arthur, the CS specifically informed Arthur that he needed such training because the ATF had visited his home and he expected them to return.  Arthur introduced the CS to a concept Arthur called “the spiderweb,” which he described as a “freaking deathbox.”  Over the course of a two-and-a-half-hour training, Arthur walked the CS through how to create IEDs and how to place them to create “fatal funnels,” which could be used to maim or murder anyone entering the CS’s home.  During that instruction, Arthur also showed the CS how to create an electric initiator for homemade grenades and bombs and how to make a homemade trip wire. Once he was finished demonstrating how to make the components, Arthur provided them to the CS and explained how to use an old shotgun to create a “thumper” that could launch homemade grenades.

A search warrant was executed at Arthur's home in January 2022.  During the search, officers found an IED placed on the front porch with wires leading to a 9-volt battery powered switch located within the home. Additionally, three IED grenades co-located with a striker plate intended to assist in detonating the IEDs, an illegally altered short barrel rifle with an attached unserialized suppressor (i.e., “silencer”) and a fifth IED were recovered.

Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Court Judge James C. Dever, III. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Barbara Kocher and Logan Liles.

Related court documents and information are located on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 7:22-cr-00005-D.

RALEIGH, N.C. – In honor of National Police Week, U.S. Attorney Michael Easley will recognize the service and sacrifice of federal, state, local, and Tribal law enforcement. This year, the week is observed from Saturday, May 11 through Friday, May 17, 2024.

“As our country recognizes National Police Week, the Justice Department joins families and communities in remembering the members of the law enforcement community who made the ultimate sacrifice protecting the public,” said Attorney General Merrick Garland.  “Policing is difficult and dangerous, yet time and time again, law enforcement officers answer the call, showing up for their communities when they are needed the most.  Their devotion to duty is matched only by that of their loved ones who make daily sacrifices to support them.  The Justice Department is committed to doing everything in our power to help provide our law enforcement partners with the resources they need to carry out their noble work on behalf of the public.”

“Every day across North Carolina, law enforcement officers put their lives on the line to protect our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Easley. “During National Police Week, we honor their courage and sacrifice. Because of you, Americans can live their lives driven by our highest hopes, dreams, and aspirations – and not our greatest fears.  It is also critical to recognize our officers’ families, who support their loved one’s calling to build a safer community.  We owe you all a debt of gratitude.”

In 1962, President Kennedy issued the first proclamation for Peace Officers Memorial Day and National Police Week to remember and honor law enforcement officers for their service and sacrifices. Peace Officers Memorial Day, which every year falls on May 15, specifically honors law enforcement officers killed or disabled in the line of duty.  

Each year, during National Police Week, our nation celebrates the contributions of law enforcement from around the country, recognizing their hard work, dedication, loyalty, and commitment to keeping our communities safe.

On Monday, May 13, the names of more than 280 officers killed in the line of duty in 2024 who have been added to the wall at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial were read during a Candlelight Vigil. To view a recording of the livestream of this event, visit https://nleomf.org/memorial/programs/national-police-week-2024/candlelight-vigil/.

To learn more about National Police Week and the virtual candlelight vigil, please visit www.policeweek.org.

WILMINGTON, N.C. – A Rocky Mount man was sentenced today to the statutory maximum of 180 months in prison for possessing a firearm as a felon and for shooting at Rocky Mount Police Department (RMPD) officers who were attempting to apprehend him.  On November 8, 2023, Antonio Maurice Wilkins, Sr., pled guilty to the charge.

“Law enforcement officers are being shot in the line of duty far too often. We won’t stand by and watch it happen.  As federal prosecutors, we’re partnering with local DA’s to put shooters on a fast track to federal prison, often even while state charges are still pending,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Easley.  “This defendant fled law enforcement and tried to shoot an officer, but his bullet miraculously struck the officer’s service weapon.  Too many officers are not so lucky.  Prioritizing cases like these is the least we can do for those who risk their lives every day.”

“This case reminds us of the dangers our officers are faced with and how they place their lives on the line to serve our community and keep our streets safe,” said Rocky Mount Police Chief Hassell. “The quick actions of our officers allowed them to take a violent individual off our streets. We are committed to our partnerships with our federal partners.  Our combined efforts will ensure we continue to prosecute those who commit crime.”

“This is a prime example of the benefits of our partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s office and law enforcement. We look forward to continuing to work with these agencies as we all strive to make our communities safer,” said District Attorney Jeff Marsigli.

According to court documents and other information presented in court, Antonio Wilkins, Sr., age 48, a previously convicted felon, was found to be in possession of a firearm on February 9, 2023. On that date, RMPD received a report of a stolen car and were informed that Wilkins was the driver. They were also provided with the location of the vehicle. Two officers went to that location and attempted to take him into custody. When encountered, Wilkins resisted arrest and fled on foot through a parking lot. As an officer caught up to him, Wilkins pulled out a handgun and fired a shot at the officer, striking his service weapon and injuring the officer's hip. Wilkins continued to fire as the officer retreated towards a dumpster.  Meanwhile, another RMPD officer fired two shots at Wilkins, hitting him twice in the upper thigh and incapacitating him. Wilkins still faces state charges related to the incident.

Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by Chief U.S. District Judge Richard E. Myers II. RMPD and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Phil Aubart prosecuted the case.

A copy of this press release is located on our website. Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:23-CR-26-M-RN.

RALEIGH, N.C. – Reginald Webb, a 33-year-old resident of Garner, has been sentenced to 198 months in prison for distributing heroin and fentanyl in the Raleigh area.  On April 11, 2017, Webb was the source of the fentanyl distributed to a 22-year-old woman who overdosed and died.  Webb pled guilty on January 5, 2024. Webb’s co-defendant in this case, as well as an additional individual who was indicted separately, have previously pled guilty to charges and are awaiting sentencing.

“In 2023, there were more than 4,000 suspected overdose deaths in North Carolina. Drug dealers who lace fentanyl into their supply and prey on vulnerable individuals who have an addiction should know that the U.S. Attorney’s Office will use every tool available to seek justice for victims of fentanyl poisoning and their families” said U.S. Attorney Michael Easley. “Webb's actions show a complete disregard for human life motivated by sheer greed.”

“The Raleigh Police Department (RPD) is proud to collaborate with U.S. Attorney Michael Easley in our joint endeavor to preserve lives and remove the offenders who sell and deliver dangerous drugs, like fentanyl, from our community,” said Chief Estella Patterson. “This investigation and prosecution underscores our commitment to identifying those who seek to destroy our communities by distributing illegal opioids. The RPD, in partnership with federal, state, and local agencies, will pursue justice for the families who lose loved ones to the opioid crisis and will never concede in our efforts to prevent opioid overdoses in our city.”

According to the court documents and other information presented in court, on April 11, 2017, the RPD responded to a 911 call for a suspected overdose death.  The investigation that followed confirmed that a 22-year-old woman lost her life due to a fentanyl overdose.  Ultimately, law enforcement learned that Webb was the source of supply for the drugs that led to the fatal overdose. 

Text messages found on the victim’s phone showed that she arranged to purchase heroin from Amanda McLeod (indicted separately) on the day she died. Video footage from a Food Lion showed the victim withdrawing money from an ATM and getting into a vehicle law enforcement later learned McLeod drove and that Treveris Montel Coward, Webb’s co-defendant, was the vehicle’s front seat passenger.  During the investigation, law enforcement learned that the day before the overdose death, the victim suffered a non-fatal overdose after taking drugs suspected to be laced with fentanyl, also distributed by McLeod and sourced by Webb.  McLeod contacted Coward when the victim began to overdose, and both Coward and Webb came to the scene and revived her. Despite the victim’s recent overdose, additional fentanyl, distributed by McLeod and sourced by Webb, was provided to the victim the following day, which caused her to overdose and die.

The investigation into the overdose death led investigators to look into drug trafficking activities of Webb and uncovered another case from August of 2016 where a young man suffered a non-fatal overdose and identified Webb as his supplier. In addition, a confidential informant was utilized to purchase heroin from Webb in 2015.  Webb was later arrested in March of 2017 after a traffic stop in Duplin County, which resulted in the seizure of 18 bindles of heroin found in Webb’s underwear. 

On February 3, 2021, McLeod (5:20-cr-533-1D) pled guilty to distributing a quantity of fentanyl and aiding and abetting. On October 4, 2022, Coward (5:21-cr-00148-D-2) pled guilty to distributing a quantity of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl and aiding and abetting.

Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after sentencing by Judge James C. Dever III.  The Raleigh Police Department investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer C. Nucci prosecuted the case.

Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for case number 5:21-cr-00148-D-1.

NEW BERN, N.C. –Robert Joseph Westrup, 43, of Craven County, was sentenced today to the statutory maximum of 120 months in prison for possession of a firearm by a felon in connection with the shooting of a Craven County Sheriff’s deputy on October 1, 2021. The shooting left the deputy paralyzed from the waist down. Westrup pled guilty on November 3, 2023.

“Westrup’s federal prosecution is just one example of our commitment to seeking justice for those who serve and put themselves in the line of fire every day to keep our communities safe,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Easley. “Those who seek to harm the brave men and women in law enforcement will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

“But for the quick and heroic actions of fellow Craven County deputies, this shooting would have resulted in even more tragedy,” said Craven County Sheriff Chip Hughes. “While nothing can undo the harm caused by this defendant, this active prison sentence obtained by the U.S. Attorney's Office serves as notice that crimes against law enforcement will not go unpunished.  We will now work with the Craven County District Attorney's Office to move forward with the prosecution of state charges.”

According to court records and other evidence presented in court, sheriff’s deputies were attempting to serve involuntary commitment paperwork on Westrup at the request of his family. Westrup resisted and fired a shot, striking one deputy, instantly paralyzing him, and then engaged in a gun battle with the other deputies. Two deputies were able to drag the injured officer out of the home while the two other deputies exchanged gunfire with Westrup. Eventually, Westrup retreated to the attic over the garage, where he partially fell through the ceiling. Westrup then noticed the injured deputy lying on the sidewalk in front of the garage and began shooting at him again before a heroic neighbor braved gunfire to drag the injured deputy to safety once again. Westrup, who had also been injured, eventually surrendered in the attic, where deputies recovered a Glock 19 9mm pistol.

Westrup was previously convicted of possession of pseudoephedrine with the intent to manufacture methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and was sentenced to 117 months in the Bureau of Prisons in the Middle District of Georgia in 2005.

Westrup is currently charged in Craven County with four counts of attempted first-degree murder, four counts of assault on a law enforcement officer with a firearm, and possession of a firearm by a felon. These charges are related to this incident and remain pending.

Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Court Louise W. Flanagan. The Craven County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Phil Aubart prosecuted the case.

Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:23-CR-1-FL.

RALEIGH, N.C. – A Kinston man was sentenced today to 720 months in prison after shooting a Lenoir County Sheriff’s Deputy and leading law enforcement on a multi-day man hunt before shooting a neighbor and being apprehended with a loaded semi-automatic weapon with the safety set to fire.  On October 16, 2023, Robert Lee Strother pled guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, carjacking, and discharging a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence

“Robert Strother was one-man crime spree – shooting a Lenoir County deputy in the neck with an assault rifle, leading law enforcement on a multi-day manhunt, and carjacking a neighbor at gunpoint before shooting him,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Easley.  “I personally met with the victims in this case and know the toll it has taken on them and their families.  They are remarkable people who are lucky to be alive.  We won’t tolerate violent carjacking or attacks on law enforcement in Eastern North Carolina.  These cases will always be among our highest priorities – our cops and our communities deserve no less.” 

According to court documents and other information presented in court, Strother, 34, was standing in the driveway of a residence in La Grange when Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a call of a woman being held against her will during the evening hours of November 19, 2020.  As Deputy Steven Key exited his patrol vehicle and approached the residence, Strother, who was wearing a tactical vest, reached into a parked vehicle, retrieved an AR-style rifle, and fired a round at Deputy Key, striking him in the neck. The bullet then traveled through the deputy and into a residence through a bedroom where a child was sleeping, through the living room and into a pantry.  Strother then fled on foot and a multi-day, multi-agency manhunt followed.

The next morning, deputies searching for Strother heard multiple gunshots fired in the same residential area, and Lenoir County dispatchers received a 911 call notifying them that a man had been shot outside his residence and that his truck had been stolen.  The victim would later describe to investigators that Strother rushed out of the woods with a high-powered rifle, demanded his truck, and shot him multiple times in the abdomen and hand as he was surrendering control of the vehicle.  Following the shooting, deputies found a tactical vest similar to what Strother had been seen wearing when he shot Deputy Key. The vest contained Strother’s identification card from the Case Turkey Plant and three AR-style thirty round magazines loaded with ammunition.

The following day, dispatchers received another 911 call reporting that Strother had been seen with a firearm in the yard of a Kinston residence.  Law enforcement responded to the residence and observed Strother attempt to flee the area while carrying an AR-style rifle.  Strother turned and raised the rifle towards law enforcement vehicles and personnel.  Officers fired multiple rounds, striking Strother, and causing him to drop the rifle.  Strother was taken into custody and treated for non-life-threatening injuries. Emergency Medical Service (EMS) personnel reported that Strother tried to head butt one of the EMS personnel as they tried to treat him.  Officers processed the scene where Strother was arrested and collected his prison ID card and a DPMS, caliber 7.62X39MM, model A-15 semiautomatic rifle with a round loaded in the chamber, a loaded magazine with 14 rounds and the safety switch set to fire. Ballistics testing by the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation later confirmed that the shell casings from the shootings of Deputy Key and Mr. Goff matched Strother’s rifle. At the time of these shootings, Strother was on post-release supervision in the state of North Carolina for a 2014 conviction for felony assault on a law enforcement officer. 

Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office, and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Charity Wilson and Caroline Webb prosecuted the case.

Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:20-CR-119-D.

RALEIGH, N.C. – Two Raleigh, North Carolina men, Joseph Kingsley Irona and Mamady Fadima Conde, were sentenced for conspiracy to commit money laundering. Both men previously pled guilty to the charge. Irona was sentenced to 84 months’ imprisonment and three years of supervised release. Conde was sentenced to 60 months’ imprisonment and five years of supervised release. The defendants were each ordered to pay restitution to the Social Security Administration (SSA) and the Small Business Administration (SBA) in connection with the scheme.

“These defendants took advantage of benefits that hard-working Americans pay for by fraudulently obtaining identities and funneling the funds through elaborate laundering channels to obscure their trail,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Easley. “This case highlights our relentless pursuit of those who exploit financial systems and harm the citizens of Eastern North Carolina.”

“The misuse of SSA’s e-Services to defraud SSA and rightful beneficiaries and recipients will not be tolerated at any level. This sentence holds these defendants accountable for their malicious and egregious crimes,” said Gail S. Ennis, Inspector General for the Social Security Administration. “My office will continue to investigate those who abuse SSA programs and operations, including its e-Services, for their own selfish gain. I thank our law enforcement partners and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for their diligence in investigating and prosecuting this complex case.”  

According to court documents and other information presented in court, Irona and Conde were involved in a highly complex network of bank accounts at multiple financial institutions. This network was used for laundering over $1 million criminal proceeds derived from various fraud schemes, particularly identity theft. One particularly intricate scheme involved the misuse of stolen victim identifiers to submit online applications for Social Security retirement benefits in victims’ names. After the applications were approved, the resulting payments were unlawfully deposited into accounts within the money laundering network, including accounts held by Irona and Conde. After receiving criminal proceeds, Irona and Conde took elaborate steps to dissipate the funds and obscure their source and destination. In addition to his money laundering activity, Irona was also responsible for managing multiple co-conspirators in the United States and the flow of criminal funds through their accounts in furtherance of the larger money laundering operation, including facilitating money transfers to co-conspirators in Nigeria.

A third defendant in the case, Chinedu Frances Okwuosha, was previously sentenced to 24 months’ imprisonment and three of supervised release on February 22, 2024.

Michael Easley, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III. The Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, investigated the case.  Assistant United States Attorney Adam F. Hulbig prosecuted the case for the government.

Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:22-CR-348-D.

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RALEIGH, N.C. – Lawrence Levon Jones, age 45, of Raleigh, was sentenced to 480 months in prison for his role as a leader of a Raleigh-based drug organization that sourced drugs from Los Angeles, California, and Newark, New Jersey. Jones was convicted by a federal jury of drug trafficking and firearms offenses in December 2023. He has eight prior felonies, including seven drug trafficking offenses and one conviction for felon in possession of a firearm. 

“This operation – which seized nine guns, over a hundred kilos of narcotics, and over three-quarters of a million dollars from a prolific drug trafficker – is a perfect example of our enforcement strategy.  We are partnering with Raleigh Police to bring federal tools to dismantle the trans-national drug trafficking networks touching our Capital City,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Easley.  “Jones’ stored cocaine, ecstasy, and ‘kilo presses’ in a Raleigh stash house and had narcotics shipped across our interstates in a hidden compartment made to look like a stack of lumber on a truck.  Today marks the end of the road for Lawrence Jones and his enterprise.”  

“Jones and his partners boldly believed they could run their cross-country drug trafficking operation from Raleigh without detection. The FBI and our law enforcement partners at the Raleigh Police Department worked tirelessly to ensure everyone involved in this conspiracy is held accountable for peddling drugs in our community,” said Robert M. DeWitt, the Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in North Carolina.

According to court records and evidence presented at trial, during an investigation into drug trafficking activity, which included surveillance and wiretaps, agents determined that Jones regularly traveled to Los Angeles and Newark, picked up money from conspirators who were holding for him, and purchased large quantities of cocaine and marijuana. Couriers transported the drugs to the Raleigh area.

On July 22, 2020, law enforcement in Texas stopped one of these couriers traveling eastbound from California and seized 400 pounds of marijuana and three kilograms of cocaine from a hidden compartment in the back of the truck that had been constructed to look like a large stack of lumber. That same day, agents arrested Jones when he arrived at his stash house in Raleigh. Inside the home, agents found 3.5 kilograms of cocaine, 138 grams of crack, 2 kilograms of marijuana, hundreds of ecstasy pills that contained methamphetamine, two handguns (one stolen), over $99,000 in cash, and five-kilo presses. Over the next two days, agents executed multiple search warrants at homes used by Jones’s organization in Raleigh and California and seized nine guns, over $757,000, and additional drugs.

The prosecution of Jones was a part of the Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force Operation (OCDETF). OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launders, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. 

Other defendants associated with Jones pled guilty to drug trafficking and or firearms offenses and received the following sentences imposed by U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III:

-Tyrone Bragg, of Raleigh, pled guilty to drug trafficking conspiracy and firearms charges and received a sentence of 168 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release; 

 -Calvin Lamar Kelley, of Keysville, Georgia, pled guilty to a drug trafficking conspiracy charge and received a sentence of 60 months in prison followed by four years of supervised release;

-Wesley Kimball Kelly, of Atlanta, Georgia, pled guilty to a drug trafficking conspiracy charge and received a sentence of 35 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release;  

-Keishron Ko-She Kilpatrick, of Raleigh, pled guilty to drug trafficking conspiracy and firearms charges and received a sentence of 84 months imprisonment followed by three years of supervised release;

-Marquis Deja Brite, of Raleigh, pled guilty to drug trafficking conspiracy and firearms charges and received a sentence of 90 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release; 

-Hurley Matthew Cannady, of Raleigh, pled guilty to drug trafficking conspiracy and firearms charges and received a sentence of 117 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release; 

-David Earl Seawell, Jr., of Raleigh, North Carolina, pled guilty to drug trafficking conspiracy charges and received a sentence of 78 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release and 

-Robert McNeal, of Raleigh, pled guilty to drug trafficking conspiracy and is awaiting sentencing. 

Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III sentenced the defendant. The Raleigh Police Department and Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Casey Peaden and Nick Hartigan prosecuted it. Investigators also received valuable assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration and the 32nd Judicial District Attorney’s Office in Texas. 

Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No.5:20-cr-00388-D-1.

WILMINGTON, N.C. – A federal jury convicted a United States Army Major, currently assigned to Fort Liberty, on charges of dealing in firearms without a license, delivering firearms without notice to the carrier, smuggling goods from the United States, illegally exporting firearms without a license, making false statements made to an agency of the United States, making false declarations before the court, and conspiracy. Kojo Owusu Dartey, age 42, faces a maximum penalty of 240 months when sentenced on July 23, 2024.

“We are partnering with law enforcement agencies across the globe to expose international criminals – from money launderers to rogue international arms traffickers capable of fueling violence abroad,” said U.S Attorney Michael Easley.  “Through a partnership with Ghanaian officials, this rogue Army Major was convicted at trial after smuggling guns to Ghana in blue barrels of rice and household goods. I want to thank the Ghana Revenue Authority and the International Cooperation Unit Office of the Attorney-General of Ghana for their assistance in the investigation. I also commend the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) attachés to U.S. Embassy Accra and the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs of the Department’s Criminal Division for their significant assistance to this prosecution.”

“Far from being a victimless crime, firearms trafficking threatens public safety across our nation and beyond,” said Toni M. Crosby, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF Baltimore Field Division. “The Baltimore Field Division is proud to partner with the Ghana Revenue Authority and ATF’s Charlotte and Louisville Field Divisions for this investigation, which has kept firearms off the streets — preventing them from being used in any number of killings and other crimes — and ended this international firearm trafficking scheme.”

The Ghana Revenue Authority

According to court records and evidence presented at trial, between June 28 and July 2, 2021, Dartey purchased seven firearms in the Fort Liberty area and tasked a U.S. Army Staff Sergeant at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, to purchase three firearms there and send them to Dartey in North Carolina.  Dartey then hid all the firearms, including multiple handguns, an AR15, 50-round magazines, suppressors, and a combat shotgun inside blue barrels underneath rice and household goods and smuggled the barrels out of the Port of Baltimore, Maryland, on a container ship to the Port of Tema in Ghana.  The Ghana Revenue Authority recovered the firearms and reported the seizure to the DEA attaché in Ghana and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Baltimore Field Division.  At the same time, Dartey was a witness in the trial of U.S. v. Agyapong. A case that involved a 16-defendant marriage fraud scheme between soldiers on Fort Liberty and foreign nationals from Ghana that Dartey had tipped off officials to. In preparation for the trial, Dartey lied to federal law enforcement about his sexual relationship with a defense witness and lied on the stand and under oath about the relationship. 

Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after Chief U.S. District Judge Richard E. Myers II accepted the verdict. The ATF, Army Criminal Investigation Division and the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Office of Export Enforcement investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Gabriel J. Diaz prosecuted it with technical assistance from David Ryan, DOJ Counterintelligence and Export Control Section.

Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:23-cr-00165-M-RJ-1.

RALEIGH, N.C – United States Attorneys Michael Easley from the Eastern District of North Carolina, Sandra J. Hairston from the Middle District, and Dena J. King from the Western District, together with various local and state leaders, gathered on Tuesday morning to promote community engagement in supporting crime survivors and victims. Local news reporter Debra Morgan of WRAL emceed the event, which featured music by The 100 Men in Black Ensemble, and an array of speakers delivering messages of hope to victims of crime.  Students from Southeast Raleigh Magnet High School were also recognized for their participation in a poster contest featuring butterflies in honor of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week. Two service organizations were also featured, including Safe Child and Ship Outreach, for their role in helping survivors of crime.

North Carolina Department of Adult Corrections

“In the face of gun violence and an opioid epidemic claiming far too many lives, we won’t allow our communities to be defined by grief and loss,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Easley.  “In National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, we highlight the brave victims, survivors, and service providers seeking justice in our courts.  We also recognize that true healing requires services and care, wrapping up survivors and ensuring they and their loved ones are never forgotten.”

“Each year, we honor and pay tribute to the victims of crime, to those who are survivors of crime, and to the courageous families who love them,” said U.S. Attorney Sandra J. Hairston of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Middle District of North Carolina. “We take this time to thank the outstanding victims’ advocates and law enforcement professionals who are dedicated to supporting survivors and seeking justice for all victims. We will continue this work throughout the year and in years to come to seek justice for the victims and to give hope to the survivors and their families.”

“National Crime Victims’ Rights Week emphasizes the importance of supporting and advocating for crime victims and survivors within our justice system,” said U.S. Attorney Dena J. King of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Western District of North Carolina. “This year’s theme reflects our dedication to individuals whose lives have been affected by crime and underscores our commitment to ensuring their rights are recognized and upheld every step of the way. When we put victim advocacy at the forefront of our efforts, we ensure that crime victims and survivors have access to the care, support, and resources they need throughout their journey toward healing and justice.”

This year’s National Crime Victims’ Rights Week theme is “How would you help? Options, services, and hope for crime survivors.” The theme aims to ensure that everyone in a community, including friends, family members, colleagues, neighbors, service providers, or other trusted members of the community, understands their crucial role in supporting crime victims and survivors, and is prepared to offer support.

The U.S. Attorneys Offices for the Eastern, Middle, and Western Districts of North Carolina are proud to join the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) and communities throughout the United States during National Crime Victims’ Rights Week in raising awareness of victims’ rights and honoring crime victims and their advocates.

For additional information about this year’s NCVRW and how to assist victims in your own community, please visit the United States Attorney’s Office website.  For more ideas on how to support victims of crime, visit OVC’s website at www.ovc.ojp.gov.

ELIZABETH CITY, N.C. – A Rocky Mount man was sentenced to 96 months in federal prison for possessing a short-barreled rifle that was not marked with a serial number.  On September 26, 2023, Chi-Ali Bunn pled guilty to the charge.

“This defendant fled police in a high-speed chase exceeding 111 miles per hour with guns, drugs, and a kid in the car,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Easley. “A short-barreled rifle and high-capacity drum magazine have no place around a child, especially in a car traveling at speeds over a hundred miles an hour.  We will keep up our partnership with local law enforcement to get illegal guns out of dangerous hands like Bunn’s.”     

“We appreciate the collaboration and partnerships with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and dedicated law enforcement,” said Nash County Sheriff Keith Stone. “Dedicated law enforcement and prosecutors make safe communities.”

According to court documents and other information presented in court, Bunn, 29, approached a Nash County Sheriff’s Office license check station in January 2023. Bunn, a felon, then turned around to avoid the station and deputies pursued. When a deputy activated his blue lights, Bunn fled, reaching speeds of up to 111 miles per hour. During the pursuit, Bunn ran multiple stop signs, traveled on the wrong side of the road, weaved in and out of traffic, and narrowly avoided colliding with other motorists, including a law enforcement vehicle. The pursuit continued into Zebulon where deputies with the Wake County Sheriff’s Office successfully deployed stop sticks, which flattened two tires of the suspect’s vehicle. Unknown to law enforcement at the time, Bunn’s young child and a small puppy were in the car during the chase. After the car was stopped, deputies searched the vehicle and found a loaded 9mm handgun capable of accepting a large capacity magazine; a .223 caliber rifle with a barrel length of 7.5 inches; a loaded drum magazine; a pill bottle containing eight Oxycodone pills; a cut straw containing cocaine residue; and a digital scale.

Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Terrence W. Boyle. The Nash and Wake County Sheriff’s Offices, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives  investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Phil Aubart  prosecuted the case.

Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:23-cr-00127-BO-RJ.

RALEIGH, N.C –U.S. Attorney Michael Easley announced the winners of a virtual poster contest held in conjunction with the Interagency Council and the Ship Outreach and Community Center. Students from the Poe Center for Health Education and Southeast Raleigh Magnet High School were invited to participate in the contest by developing a poster featuring butterflies in honor of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week. Butterflies have long been used as a symbol of freedom and hope for victims. Twenty-four students participated in the virtual contest and winners were selected by staff at the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

“Crime takes a tremendous toll on innocent victims, often changing lives forever.  Our mission cannot just be to prosecute offenders – we also must do all we can to help victims in their journey to find peace,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Easley.  “The students who participated in this year’s poster contest are using art to cast a light of hope, lighting the path from being a victim to becoming a survivor.”

The poster winners include Tonaye Minggia, Malik Thompson, and Mia Mahoney.

For additional information about this year’s NCVRW and how to assist victims in your own community, please visit the United States Attorney’s Office website.  For more ideas on how to support victims of crime, visit OVC’s website at www.ovc.ojp.gov.

NEW BERN, N.C. – A Robeson County man was sentenced to 100 months in prison and three years of supervised release for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. On November 29, 2023, a federal jury convicted, Quillan Inman of the charge.

"This defendant’s long history of violence has finally caught up to him, now getting ten years in federal prison after a high-speed chase exceeding 90 miles per hour in Robeson County," said U.S. Attorney Michael Easley.  "We are proud to partner with the FBI and Robeson County Sheriff’s Office to prioritize cases involving violent felons undermining safety in Southeastern North Carolina."​​​​

"I want to thank our federal partners for their continued collaboration with our agency and hard work to help us keep the residents of Robeson County safe," said Robeson County Sheriff Burnis Wilkins. "Gangs, guns, and drugs continue to be an issue in our county, and efforts such as this should send a message that we won’t tolerate it. A jury has spoken in this case, which I consider to be further evidence that people are fed up with this type of behavior."

According to court documents and other information presented in court, Inman, 33, possessed a firearm as a convicted felon. Robeson County Sheriff’s Office deputies discovered this during a traffic stop involving a vehicle in which Inman was a passenger. The deputies initiated a traffic stop, but the vehicle initially evaded them, accelerating to speeds over 90mph. When the vehicle eventually came to a stop, a deputy observed Inman making suspicious movements toward the front of his hooded sweatshirt. Inman was ordered to step out of the vehicle. As Inman stepped out of the vehicle, the deputy saw the handle of a handgun sticking out of the pocket of the hoodie. He immediately cuffed Inman, who attempted to grab the gun as the deputy patted him down. The deputy also recovered suspected cocaine and suboxone strips. A search of the vehicle revealed three more firearms. Inman denied his possession of the firearm throughout the case even telling the jury at trial that the Sheriff’s Office planted all of the evidence in the case.

Inman was previously convicted in North Carolina state court of robbery with a dangerous weapon and two counts of second-degree kidnapping as well as multiple breaking and entering charges. He has a lengthy criminal history spanning back to 2010.

Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Louise W. Flanagan. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Robeson County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lori Warlick and Phil Aubart prosecuted the case.

Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 7:22-CR-7-FL.

RALEIGH, N.C. – Sanda G. Frimpong, 33, was sentenced to 40 months in federal prison and ordered to pay hundreds of thousands of dollars in restitution to victims for laundering the illicit proceeds of an elaborate series of romance scams. Frimpong pled guilty to three counts of money laundering on September 14, 2023. 

“Romance scammers exploit our most vulnerable citizens, even our seniors and military veterans, sometimes leaving them financially and emotionally devastated,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Easley.  “The fact that an Army servicemember was involved in romance scams while serving as a soldier is appalling.  We are partnering with the Department of Defense to drum out fraudsters and money launderers like Frimpong from our military ranks and put them in prison where they belong.”

“Integrity is a core tenet of the armed forces and when servicemembers choose to compromise their integrity for greed, it tarnishes the reputation of all others serving in uniform,” stated Special Agent in Charge Christopher Dillard, Department of Defense Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), Mid-Atlantic Field Office. “DCIS and its law enforcement partners will continue to work with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to hold those accountable who cheat government programs and use online scams to prey on the most vulnerable.”

Frimpong and other conspirators, engaged in elaborate scams, impersonating romantic love interests, diplomats, customs personnel, military personnel, and other fictitious personas for the purpose of ensnaring their victims by earning their confidence, including promises of romance, sharing of an inheritance or other riches, or other scenarios intended to fraudulently induce the victims to provide money or property to the conspirators.  Frimpong then laundered hundreds of thousands of dollars in proceeds of these frauds through his various bank accounts across state lines and through his contacts in Ghana.  Frimpong was also an active-duty Army servicemember stationed at Fort Bragg during the commission of the offenses up until shortly after his arrest in 2023.

Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III announced the sentence. Defense Criminal Investigative Service led the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorney David G. Beraka prosecuted the case.

Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:23-CR-0035-D.

RALEIGH, N.C. – Armando Binelo, 46, of Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, pled guilty for his role in a 20-million-dollar leasing fraud scheme. Daniel Raymond, 54, of Mebane, previously pled guilty to conspiracy to commit mail fraud and wire fraud and was sentenced to 84 months in prison. Binelo faces up to 20 years in prison when sentenced.

“Our Assistant U.S. Attorneys are hard at work in unraveling complex financial frauds like this one, where a computer equipment supplier billed financiers for millions in a scheme that lasted years,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Easley. “The Research Triangle is a hub for tech and innovation. We are ramping up white collar fraud enforcement to ensure fraudsters who take advantage of our booming tech sector are held accountable.”

According to court documents and information presented in court, from March 2016 to January 2022, Binelo and Raymond executed a scheme to defraud financing companies in connection with computer equipment lease deals. The scheme’s targets were financing companies that offered small to medium-sized businesses (“customers”) financing and secured leases for computer servers and equipment.  Under these leasing programs, financers paid for and took title to the equipment and then leased it to the customers for a fixed term.  Financers entered into agreements with brokers who, for a fee, could bring potential equipment leasing opportunities to the financers for evaluation and approval.  As a third-party independent financing source, financers did not manufacture or supply the computer equipment. Instead, the brokers, like Raymond, arranged for the purchase and delivery of the equipment to the customers, who then leased that equipment from the financers.

Raymond targeted financially distressed small business customers throughout the country and offered them leases for computer equipment. Typically, the customers Raymond targeted were seeking a cash infusion for operating expenses and had no immediate need for computer equipment. Nonetheless, Raymond enticed customers by offering lease deals with large cash rebates and long-term payback options. Raymond falsely assured customers that this was a common and legitimate practice and that they could always sell the computer equipment if they chose to. The cash rebates and payback options offered by Raymond were not known to or approved by the financers.

Raymond executed the lease agreements with the customers and then submitted the leases and invoices to a financer. If approved, the financer paid Raymond a lump sum payment, which was intended to represent the cost of the computer equipment to be supplied by Raymond, plus a small fee to be retained by Raymond as profit. Once the leases were signed and approved by the financer, Raymond instructed the customers to create false documents that claimed the computer equipment had been delivered, installed, and was operational at their business sites, despite no equipment being delivered or installed. These false declarations enabled the financier to pay Raymond.  After Raymond obtained payment from the financers, he wired the cash rebates to the customers from his business checking account. Raymond sometimes did ship computer equipment to the customers. However, whereas the leases called for name-brand computer servers and hardware valued between $30,000 - $100,000, Raymond sent cheap computer equipment and parts.

Raymond was affiliated with the following businesses: Integrity IT Solutions, Inc. (“IITS”), Logos Consulting, LLC (“Logos”), Lendberry Corp. (“Lendberry”), US Server Supply (“USSS”), Online Concepts Inc. (“OC”), Referral Marketing Services (“RMS”), Sandriver Group, Inc. (“Sandriver”), Business Repair Consultants (“BRC”), and Buyback Funders, LLC (“Buyback”).

Binelo joined the scheme as a small business customer who entered fraudulent computer equipment leases with Raymond in exchange for cash rebates. Eventually, Binelo was recruited as a vendor/partner with various lending institutions. Under their arrangement, Raymond secured the fraudulent leases with customers, which Binelo passed off to the victim lenders.  Victim lenders wired the proceeds to a bank account controlled by Binelo. Binelo took his portion of the proceeds and wired the remaining funds to Raymond.

Raymond participated in fraudulent lease deals valued at more than 20 million dollars.  Binelo participated in fraudulent lease deals valued at more than 6 million dollars. Binelo pled guilty to conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud.

Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after United States District Judge Terrence W. Boyle accepted the plea. The Federal Bureau of Investigation is investigating the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Toby Lathan is prosecuting the case.

Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:20-cr-00045-BO-1.

RALEIGH, N.C. – A former marine was sentenced to 180 months in prison followed by 10 years of supervised release for distribution and possession of child pornography.  Jonathon Allen Frew, age 33, pled guilty on August 17, 2023. He was also assessed $10,000 under the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act and $5,000 under the Amy, Vicky and Andy Child Pornography Victim Assistance Act.

According to court documents and other information presented in court Frew was investigated by the Naval Criminal Investigative Services (NCIS) after Kik social media reported on five separate occasions one of its users had uploaded child pornography.  Kik made the report to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children who forwarded the report to NCIS after learning the Kik account and IP address used to upload the images were connected to Frew who was an active-duty Marine at the time. 

Results from a Kik search warrant showed on one day Frew uploaded 24 images and videos of child pornography into a chat group.  Pursuant to a search warrant, Frew’s home was searched, and digital devices were seized.  Child pornography was located on his cellular device.  In total Frew possessed approximately 250 images and 30 videos of child pornography.  Frew ultimately admitted to law enforcement that he obtained child pornography and would later upload it to chat groups. Frew’s collection of images and videos included very young children, infants, and toddlers, as well as images depicting sadistic and masochistic conduct. 

Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after the sentencing was concluded.  U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III presided over the sentencing.  The United States NCIS investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Charity Wilson prosecuted the case.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:22-CR-64-D.

RALEIGH, N.C. – Carol Jean Darrow, 60, pled guilty today pursuant to a criminal information to failure to pay $346,775 in withheld employee payroll taxes. Darrow is the co-owner and operator of The Auto Finders, Inc. (TAF), a corporation headquartered in Durham, North Carolina. TAF is an automobile dealership. The defendant, a resident of Raleigh, North Carolina, managed the financial affairs of TAF, including approving payments to creditors and payroll taxes due.

“For five years, this auto dealer took money from their employees’ paychecks, supposedly for taxes, and then pocketed it for themselves,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Easley. Blatant fraud like this undermines faith in our system, and we won’t allow it in North Carolina.”

TAF was required to pay over the withheld payroll taxes to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) through periodic deposits. In addition, TAF was required to file, at the end of each calendar quarter, an Employer’s Quarterly Federal Income Tax Return (Form 941) setting forth the total amount of wages and other compensation subject to withholding, the total amount of income tax withheld, the total amount of FICA taxes due, and the total tax deposits.

In her position at TAF, the defendant was responsible for collecting, truthfully accounting for, and paying over the payroll taxes due and owing from TAF to the IRS. Between 2016 and 2021, TAF continuously failed to meet its payroll tax obligations to the IRS, resulting in a substantial underpayment of tax. She faces up to 5 years in prison.  

Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after United States Magistrate Judge Robert B. Jones, Jr. accepted the plea. Sentencing will occur before United States District Judge Louise W. Flanagan later this year. The IRS-CI is leading the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Ethan Ontjes is prosecuting the case.

Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:23-CR-363-FL.

RALEIGH, N.C – In commemoration of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW), U.S. Attorney Michael Easley is announcing NCVRW observances planned in the Eastern District of North Carolina for the week of April 22-26, 2024. Members of the public and media are invited to attend.

• On Monday, April 22nd, candlelight vigils will be held in Raleigh and Wilmington to honor crime victims and their families.

• • Raleigh event details: 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at the Wake County Commons Building (4011 Carya Drive, Raleigh, NC 27610). This event is being held in partnership with the Wake County District Attorney and Wake County Sheriff’s Office.

• • Wilmington event details: 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at the Alton Lennon Federal Building (2 Princess Street, Wilmington, NC 28401). This event is being held in partnership with the New Hanover District Attorney’s Office and A Safe Place.

• On Tuesday, April 23rd, the National Crime Victims’ Rights Ceremony will be held in Raleigh. This event is sponsored by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Eastern, Middle and Western District and the Interagency Council.
  • 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at the State Archives Building (109 E. Jones Street, Raleigh, NC 27601)
  • Registration is required for this event. https://www.justice.gov/usao-ednc/event/ncvrw-ceremony-2024

For additional information about this year’s NCVRW and how to assist victims in your own community, please visit the United States Attorney’s Office website.  For more ideas on how to support victims of crime, visit OVC’s website at www.ovc.ojp.gov.

RALEIGH, N.C. – United States Attorneys Michael Easley for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Sandra Hairston for the Middle District of North Carolina, and Dena King for the Western District of North Carolina joined the Civil Rights Division and the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Office of Inspector General (HUD OIG) in hosting a community conversation today focused on the use of the Fair Housing Act to prevent and address complaints of sexual harassment in HUD-assisted housing.

“In our ongoing commitment to ensure justice and safety for all, we are proud to co-host a community conversation with a focus on combating sexual harassment in housing,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Easley. “This event represents a crucial step in our collaborative efforts to create a safe living environment for all people.”

“Abusing power and control over housing by committing acts of sexual harassment violates a person’s right to equal housing opportunities,” said U.S. Attorney King. “My Office remains steadfast in our commitment to enforce federal civil rights laws to combat sexual harassment in housing, protect vulnerable tenants and housing applicants, and hold accountable landlords, property managers, and owners who violate these statutes.”

“Sexual harassment of citizens who are pursuing safe and affordable housing will not be tolerated,” said U.S. Attorney Hairston. “This reprehensible conduct is often inflicted on people who feel they do not have an avenue to seek help. We hope today’s seminar has provided our partner agencies and organizations with information that can be shared with citizens who may have fallen prey to this illegal activity.”

“Sexual harassment and sexual assault in HUD-assisted housing are discriminatory actions that violate a tenants’ rights to safe and fair housing,” said Inspector General Oliver Davis. “We are proud to work closely with our partners at 

the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Department of Justice and will continue to enforce the Fair Housing Act by pursuing bad actors who take advantage of tenants and prospective tenants in violation of the law.”

The virtual engagement signified the partnership between the federal agencies to promote the health and safety of tenants residing in HUD-assisted housing by working together to bring justice to victims of predatory landlords and other housing providers who sexually harass or sexually assault tenants in violation of the federal Fair Housing Act. The topics included discussions about the Fair Housing Act and tenant rights under the law, how to recognize and report sexual misconduct in housing, and case studies.

Participants included representatives from legal aid offices, fair housing organizations, and other community organizations who assist underserved and underrepresented communities with housing. Participants were encouraged to share their experiences, concerns, and expertise to forge future partnerships and provide resource assistance to beneficiaries when reporting allegations of sexual misconduct in housing.

If you or someone you know has information about or has been a victim of sexual harassment, sexual assault, or sexual exploitation—even if the events occurred years ago—report it to the HUD Office of Inspector General Hotline at 1-800-347-3735 or visit the website at www.hudoig.gov/hotline.

You may also file a complaint with HUD’s Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity at https://www.hud.gov/fairhousing/fileacomplaint. 

You may also contact the U.S. Department of Justice at 1-844-380-6178 or visit www.civilrights.justice.gov. 

Individuals who believe they may have been victims of sexual harassment or other housing discrimination may also contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office at:

Eastern District of North Carolina: (919) 856-4530

Middle District of North Carolina: (336) 333-5351

Western District of North Carolina: Charlotte (704) 344-6222 or Asheville (828) 271-4661

For more information on the three North Carolina U.S. Attorney’s Offices, priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit:

Eastern District of North Carolina: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ednc

Middle District of North Carolina: https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdnc

Western District of North Carolina: https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdnc

RALEIGH, N.C. – A Robeson County murder suspect accused of shooting two Robeson County Sheriff’s deputies now faces five federal charges including one drug trafficking charge, three charges related to firearms, including possession of a machine gun, and carjacking with intent to cause serious bodily injury. The carjacking charge was included in a previous criminal complaint.  Shawn Tobin Locklear, Jr., age 20, faces a minimum of 40 years and a maximum of life in prison if convicted of all crimes. 

“Violence towards law enforcement will never be tolerated in North Carolina.  We will use every resource necessary to hold accountable anyone who endangers police or first responders,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Easley.  “The conduct alleged in the indictment endangered the lives of two Robeson County Deputies and this indictment should serve as a warning to anyone who would consider similar conduct.”

According to the indictment, Locklear is alleged to have possessed marijuana, and a machine gun in September of 2023. The indictment and previous complaint further allege that Locklear shot and injured two Robeson County Sheriff’s deputies who were attempting to serve an arrest warrant on him. After being struck by gunfire, both deputies took cover behind their patrol car. Locklear is then alleged to have entered the driver’s side of the patrol car and put the car into reverse as one deputy was located on the ground behind the patrol vehicle. The deputy was able to push himself partially out of the way before Locklear drove over his leg with the car. Locklear was able to drive away in the patrol vehicle and fled the scene. The incident was captured on the deputies’ body cameras. Locklear is also alleged to have discharged a firearm on the date of the carjacking.

Locklear faces the following federal charge:

• Possession with intent to distribute marijuana;
• Possession of a machinegun in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime;
• Possession of a machinegun;
• Carjacking resulting in serious bodily injury; and
• Discharging a firearm in conjunction with a crime of violence.

Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement. The Robeson County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are investigating the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ashley Foxx  and Robert Dodson are prosecuting the case.

Related court documents and information are located on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No.7:24-cr-00033-FL-BM.

A criminal indictment is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

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WILMINGTON, N.C. – Michael Kenneth Cox, age 49, pled guilty to two federal charges related to his role in a drug trafficking conspiracy and a procurement mail and wire fraud conspiracy. Cox, who was employed by the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) from 1996 until he retired as the head of the drug unit in 2018, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute quantities of cocaine, methamphetamine, oxycodone, and marijuana. Cox also pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit procurement wire and mail fraud with his co-defendant Christopher Worth in connection with contracts his business received from WCSO. When sentenced, Cox faces up to 20 years for each charge.

“As a leader of the Drug Unit, Cox’s job was to put drug traffickers behind bars, not go into business with them,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Easley. “We trust law enforcement to uphold the law, but a rare few choose to abuse their positions with criminal side-hustles. Corruption like this undermines our institutions, cheats taxpayers, and endangers the public.  The people of Eastern North Carolina, and all the honest cops who put their lives on the line, deserve better and we won’t stand for it.”

"Law enforcement officers are entrusted with an incredible responsibility to serve our communities and ensure justice. Anyone who takes advantage of their position for personal gain or in persistence of criminal activity must and will be held accountable. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) will continue to root out public corruption on behalf of the vast majority of hard-working officers who carry out their duties honestly and honorably," said FBI Special Agent in Charge, Robert M. DeWitt.

According to court documents and other information presented in Court, while Cox was a sheriff’s deputy, he helped various drug traffickers operating in Wayne County evade charges. In one instance, he intercepted a drug trafficker who had made a purchase from the target of a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) investigation. Rather than arrest the trafficker, he seized the drugs and reimbursed him $2000 for the sale, claiming it had been a planned, controlled purchase. Even after his retirement, Cox continued his relationships with the drug traffickers, facilitating the purchase of drugs for other individuals. In addition, Cox was engaged in a scheme in which contracts for upfits of WCSO vehicles were steered to a business owned by Cox, and employing co-defendant Worth, regardless of whether Cox’s company provided such work at the lowest price as required by the Wayne County procurement requirements. Cox was indicted in August of 2023.

Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after U.S. Chief District Judge Richard E. Myers II accepted the plea. The FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) are investigating the case and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Dennis Duffy and Nick Hartigan are prosecuting the case.

Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:23-CR-260.

RALEIGH, N.C. – A Roanoke Rapids man was sentenced today to 60 months in prison for straw purchasing over 30 firearms for individuals who would otherwise not be able to purchase them lawfully. On July 6, 2023, Raquel Braswell pled guilty to engaging in the business of dealing firearms without a license and knowingly making a materially false statement to a federally licensed firearm dealer.

“We are partnering with local law enforcement to square off against violent felons and the straw buyers who arm them,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Easley.  “This defendant served as a one-man pipeline for firepower, buying dozens of guns for felons and other prohibited persons, endangering our community, and making our police officers’ jobs more dangerous.  We will keep using our local partnerships and the new Bipartisan Safer Communities Act to put gunrunners behind bars where they belong.” 

"We are extremely fortunate in the Northeastern part of North Carolina to have such a diligent and focused U.S. Attorney's Office,” said Roanoke Rapids Police (RRP) Chief Shane Guyant. “We are fortunate to have such a strong partnership with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF).  Law enforcement officers’ risk their lives daily whether it be stopping motor vehicles, answering calls for service, or serving their communities.  The danger of facing a firearm increases with each public interaction. To think that individuals like this defendant would assist those convicted of violent felonies obtain so many firearms illegally is troublesome and terrifying.  I fear for my officers each time they have interactions not knowing whether the person has bad intentions with a firearm.  We offer a special thank you to the law enforcement officers and prosecuting attorneys who brought this case to a conclusion.”

“Straw purchasing has a tremendous impact on violent gun crime, often putting firearms in the hands of dangerous individuals and individuals prohibited from possessing a firearm,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Bennie Mims. “Identifying straw purchasers and holding those responsible for arming prohibited individuals is critical to addressing gun crime in our communities.”

According to court documents and other information presented in court, Braswell, 25, purchased firearms for individuals who could not legally buy them between October 2, 2021, and May 30, 2022. When law enforcement caught one of his purchasers, a felon, with a gun, they discovered Braswell had bought the firearm for him just hours earlier. When agents from the ATF and RRP confronted Braswell, he initially claimed that someone had stolen his firearms. However, he later admitted to engaging in the offense. Braswell admitted being paid between $200 and $400 for each firearm he purchased and acknowledged that he knew the individuals he bought firearms for were not legally allowed to possess them.

Because his offense conduct concluded in May of 2022, Braswell was not subject to the new criminal provisions and enhanced penalties of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which Congress enacted, and the President signed in June 2022.  The Act is the first federal statute specifically designed to target the unlawful trafficking and straw-purchasing of firearms.

Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III. RRP and the ATF investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Phil Aubart prosecuted the case.

Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:23-CR-7-D-KS.

RALEIGH, N.C. – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina announced today that Campbell Oil Company (“Campbell Oil”); Executive Aircraft Services, Inc. (“EAS”); Brian D. Campbell; and David Taylor Stephens have agreed to resolve allegations that they conducted illegal charter flights, contained in the March 10, 2023, Complaint filed by the United States captioned United States v. Campbell Oil Company et al., No. 7:23-CV-265 (the “Complaint”).

The settlement resolves allegations, which are more fully laid out in the Complaint, that beginning at least as early as April 2017 and through March 2019, the defendants operated more than 150 paid, passenger-carrying flights in violation of Federal Aviation Administration safety regulations.

Federal law recognizes two types of aircraft leases: “wet leases,” in which an aircraft lessor also provides crew and other services, and “dry leases,” in which an aircraft lessor provides only the aircraft. The Federal Aviation Administration requires that lessors who make aircraft available pursuant to wet leases satisfy heightened safety and certification requirements. Pilots who conduct flights pursuant to wet leases also must satisfy heightened requirements for training, testing, and competency.  Federal law further requires “commercial operators”—individuals or entities that hold themselves out as willing to transport person or property for compensation—to comply with those same heightened certification and safety standards.

The settlement resolves allegations that Campbell Oil and EAS entered into “sham” dry lease agreements, which purported to lease aircraft without any pilot or other services. However, according to the Complaint, the leases were, in substance, wet leases because Campbell Oil and EAS, through their President Brian Campbell, allegedly made the aircraft available to their customers in conjunction with pilot services offered by David Stephens and other pilots with whom Defendants had relationships, all without complying with the heightened safety and certification standards mandated by law for wet leases and commercial operators.  Defendants allegedly also held themselves out to the public as offering air charter services, including by paying commissions to Stephens for soliciting customers for the air charter business.

Under the terms of the settlement agreement, Defendants agreed to pay a $700,000 civil penalty.  Defendants are no longer operating the aircraft leasing business that is the subject of the allegations resolved in the settlement.

The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina and the Federal Aviation Administration.  Assistant United States Attorney Andrew Kasper represented the United States.

The United States’ factual and legal assertions are allegations only, and there has been no admission or judicial determination of liability.  The civil settlement agreement is not an admission of any liability by Defendants, nor a concession by the United States that its potential claims were not well-founded.

Related court documents and information from the civil lawsuit are available on PACER by searching for Case No. 7:23-CV-265.