Eastern District of North Carolina

RALEIGH – Robert J. Higdon, Jr., the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, announces that United States District Judge James C. Dever III, sentenced DARNELL THOMAS BROWN, 29, of Selma to 120 months’ imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised released.

On December 11, 2018, BROWN, pled guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm.  On February 26, 2018, the Selma Police Department responded to a report of a shot fired into an occupied apartment.  A man told police that his neighbor, BROWN, discharged a firearm into a bedroom occupied by minor children.  Responding officers searched BROWN’s apartment, but he was not found at that time.  In the apartment, officers found cocaine and marijuana, along with ammunition and rifle accessories.  In the area outside of the apartment, officers found a rifle loaded with a high-capacity magazine and two handguns, one of which had been stolen.  Selma Police removed the firearms, but set up a camera system which captured BROWN returning to that area and appearing to look for the firearms.  BROWN was eventually apprehended and admitted that he accidentally shot into the neighboring apartment.  At the time of the offense, BROWN was a convicted felon and could not lawfully possess a firearm.     

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  Since 2017, the United States Department of Justice has reinvigorated the PSN program and has targeted violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime. 

That effort has been implemented through the Take Back North Carolina Initiative of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina.  This initiative emphasizes the regional assignment of federal prosecutors to work with law enforcement and District Attorney’s Offices on a sustained basis in those communities to reduce the violence crime rate, drug trafficking, and crimes against law enforcement.

The investigation of this case was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and the Selma Police Department. 

Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. Dodson prosecuted the case for the government.

RALEIGH – Robert J. Higdon, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina comments on the confirmation of Michael East to serve as United States Marshal for the Eastern District of North Carolina.

“Today the United States Senate has confirmed President Trump’s nomination of Michael East to serve as United States Marshal for the Eastern District of North Carolina.  I can think of no one better to take up this important position.

Mike East served the people of this State as an agent of the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation for 28 years.  There he worked as a member of the Child Fatality Task Force Prevention Team, the Crisis Negotiation Team and as Special Agent in Charge of the Financial Crimes Unit.  He led investigations focused on public corruption, violent crime, drug crimes, economic crimes and many others.  More recently he has served in my office as our first Forensic Investigator in the Organize Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force where he has focused on the financial side of drug trafficking investigations.  He has, likewise, played a key investigative role in our ability to prosecute heroin and opioid overdose death cases.  Mike has also provided critical training and assistance to law enforcement all across the State of North Carolina, around the United States and overseas.

Mike is well-suited to lead the men and women of the United States Marshals Service here in the Eastern District.  The Marshals Service provides critical investigation services in a range of cases, secures our courthouses and other federal facilities, supports federal and state prosecutions through warrant enforcement, and plays a key role in the seizure, forfeiture and disposal of property used by defendants to facilitate their criminal activity or property which is the proceeds of that activity.

Mike East will be an outstanding United States Marshal.  President Trump has made an outstanding choice and I look forward to working side-by-side with Marshal East and the Marshals Service he will now lead.”

RALEIGH — The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Robert J. Higdon, Jr., announces that United States District Judge James C. Dever III sentenced DETRICK DAYE, 23, of Wilmington to 162 months of imprisonment followed by 3 years of supervised release.  On November 5, 2018, DAYE pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute a quantity of heroin and a quantity of fentanyl, six (6) counts of distribution of a quantity of heroin, and possession with intent to distribution of a quantity of heroin and a quantity of fentanyl.

According to the investigation, the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Safe Streets Task Force began investigating a drug trafficking organization, in which DAYE was a member, due to a series of opioid overdoses in the New Hanover County area. 

Between September 2017 and December 2017, the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office made six controlled purchases of either heroin or a heroin/fentanyl mixture from DAYE at various location in Wilmington.  On December 7, 2017, after the final controlled purchase, DAYE was arrested.  Law enforcement conducted a search of his residence and found a quantity of a heroin/fentanyl mixture.   According to law enforcement, DAYE was a validated gang member.

This case is part of the Take Back North Carolina Initiative of The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina.  This initiative emphasizes the regional assignment of federal prosecutors to work with law enforcement and District Attorney’s Offices on a sustained basis in those communities to reduce the violent crime rate, drug trafficking, and crimes against law enforcement.

This investigation was conducted by the FBI Safe Streets Task Force and the New Hanover County Narcotics Unit.  Assistant United States Attorney Timothy M. Severo handled the prosecution of this case for the government.     

NEW BERN — The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Robert J. Higdon, Jr., announced that today, United States District Judge Louise W. Flanagan sentenced Frederick Beverly, 41, of Lumberton to 87 months’ imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised release.  Beverly pled guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon on January 29, 2019. 

On January 19, 2017, a team of law enforcement consisting of members of the Lumberton Police Department, U.S. Marshal’s Service, Robeson County Sheriff’s Office, and North Carolina State Highway Patrol successfully located BEVERLY’s vehicle in Robeson County and arrested BEVERLY.  Under BEVERLY’s seat, officers found a Hi-Point .45 caliber semi-automatic handgun. 

At sentencing, it was noted that BEVERLY was found in possession of firearms on two additional occasions following his January 2017 arrest.  On September 19, 2017, and again on March 16, 2018, officers of the Lumberton Police Department conducted traffic stops of vehicles which BEVERLY drove or in which he was a passenger and found BEVERLY to be in possession of handguns. 

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.   Since 2017, the United States Department of Justice has reinvigorated the PSN program and has targeted violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.

That effort has been implemented through the Take Back North Carolina Initiative of The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina.  This initiative emphasizes the regional assignment of federal prosecutors to work with law enforcement and District Attorney’s Offices on a sustained basis in those communities to reduce the violent crime rate, drug trafficking, and crimes against law enforcement.

The investigation of this case was conducted by the Lumberton Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF), with additional assistance from the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office, North Carolina State Highway Patrol, and U.S. Marshals Service.  Assistant United States Attorney Jake D. Pugh represented the government. 

RALEIGH – Robert J. Higdon, Jr., the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, announces that Chief United States District Judge Terrence W. Boyle sentenced TYRESE QUINTARIUS PEGUES, 19, of Lillington to 27 months’ imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised released.

On November 27, 2018, PEGUES was named in a one-count Indictment charging him with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.  On February 19, 2019, PEGUES pled guilty to the charge. 

 On August 25, 2018, a call was placed to the Harnett County Sheriff’s Office in Lillington, North Carolina, concerning shots fired at a residence in Heritage Village.  Deputies responded and identified the address in question as 1346 Heritage Way.  Deputies noted bullet holes in the house and in a vehicle, and they then made entry through the unsecured front door.  Once inside, they observed firearms, currency, a small quantity of marijuana and a $10 bill in a jar, and packaging material in the kitchen and in a bedroom in plain view.  A .380 caliber handgun was located in one of the bedrooms with the slide locked back.  Shell casings for a .380 caliber firearm were located outside the residence.

After securing a search warrant, an inspection of the residence recovered a total of three firearms, including an AR-15 assault weapon containing two thirty-round magazines taped together on the couch in the living room.  Paperwork identifying PEGUES was recovered from one of bedrooms.  The bedroom identified as belonging to PEGUES contained the .380 caliber handgun and a set of digital scales.  The gun was reported stolen.  

On August 28, 2018, PEGUES was arrested. He declined to provide any information on that date, but did provide a statement on August 29, 2018.  PEGUES admitted shooting at a vehicle in self-defense after seeing a vehicle drive by slowly and a known individual raise what appeared to be a firearm.  Thereafter, PEGUES went inside to retrieve the AR-15 and returned to the porch.  PEGUES denied any involvement with the marijuana found inside the residence.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  Since 2017 the United States Department of Justice has reinvigorated the PSN program and has targeted violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime. 

That effort has been implemented through the Take Back North Carolina Initiative of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina.  This initiative emphasizes the regional assignment of federal prosecutors to work with law enforcement and District Attorney’s Offices on a sustained basis in those communities to reduce the violence crime rate, drug trafficking, and crimes against law enforcement.

The investigation of this case was conducted by the Harnett County Sheriff’s Office. 

Assistant United States Attorney Daniel W. Smith prosecuted the case for the government.

NEW BERN – Robert J. Higdon, Jr., the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, announces that United States District Judge Louise W. Flanagan sentenced MARK BASS, 59, of Creedmoor, North Carolina to 326 months’ imprisonment, followed by a lifetime of supervised released.  He was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $75,000.00. 

On October 18, 2018, BASS was named in a one-count Indictment charging him with the Manufacture of Child Pornography.  On January 28, 2019, BASS pled guilty to the charge.  BASS is currently serving a term in state custody for other sex offenses against children.

In August 2017, the Granville County Sheriff’s Office (GCSO) in Oxford, North Carolina, and the Wake County Sheriff’s Office in Raleigh, North Carolina, received information related to the sexual abuse of an 18-year-old female (Victim 1) by  MARK BASS.  The sexual abuse began when Victim 1 was 7 or 8 years of age and continued until she was at least 17 years old.  During the course of the investigation, agents also learned of a second victim, Victim 2, a 13 year-old autistic male, who was also sexually abused by BASS.

On January 30, 2018, Wake County Child Protective Services (WCCPS) notified the GCSO that Victim 2 reported multiple forms of sexual abuse endured at the hands of BASS.  Victim 2 also substantiated that BASS took sexual photographs of Victim 1 with his cellphone, which BASS periodically showed to Victim 2.  

Based on the substantiated sexual abuse involving Victims 1 and 2, a search warrant was obtained and executed at BASS’ residence on February 16, 2018. A cellphone belonging to BASS and other physical evidence was seized.  Forensic investigation of the cellphone indicated that, on August 14, 2016, BASS produced at least one image of Victim 2 that constituted child pornography under the law.  Evidence also proved that BASS engaged in sexual contact with Victim 2 on multiple occasions.

This case was part of the Project Safe Childhood initiative, a national program aimed at ensuring that criminals exploiting children are effectively prosecuted by making full use of all available law enforcement resources at every level.  For more information about this important national project, Project Safe Childhood, go to www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

The investigation of this case was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations, Granville County Sheriff’s Office, and the Wake County Sheriff’s Office. 

Assistant United States Attorney Melissa Belle Kessler prosecuted the case for the government.

RALEIGH – Robert J. Higdon, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, announces today that SHEILA RUFFIN, 50, of Rocky Mount, pled guilty to 15 counts of Disaster Fraud related to the Hurricane Matthew recovery effort conducted by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

RUFFIN made false statements and representations and submitted fraudulent documentation FEMA in connection with applications for federal disaster assistance following Hurricane Matthew.  From January 31, 2017 to January 29, 2018, RUFFIN was awarded more than $11,000.00 in rental assistance to which she was not entitled.

Investigation of this case was conducted by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Office of Inspector General.  Assistant United States Attorney Toby Lathan is prosecuting the case for the government.

Members of the public who suspect fraud involving disaster relief efforts, or believe they have been the victim of fraud from a person or organization soliciting relief funds on behalf of disaster victims, should contact the National Disaster Fraud Hotline toll free at (866) 720-5721. The telephone line is staffed by live operators 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can also fax information to the Center at (225) 334-4707, or email it to disaster@leo.gov.  Learn more about the National Center for Disaster Fraud at www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud and watch a public service announcement here.  Tips for the public on how to avoid being victims of fraud can be found at https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/tips-avoiding-fraudulent-charitable-contribution-schemes.

RALEIGH — The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Robert J. Higdon, Jr., announced that today, Chief United States District Judge Terrence W. Boyle sentenced Jason gregory Alan Brown, 31, of Snow Hill to 120 months’ imprisonment, followed by 5 years of supervised release.  On February 6, 2019, Brown pled guilty to a three-count indictment, charging Hobbs Act robbery, brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. 

The evidence established that on February 20, 2018, BROWN robbed the HI-5 Sweepstakes Vapor Shop in Goldsboro, North Carolina.  After spending a few minutes in the business, BROWN approached the cashier and pulled out a silver handgun, which one of the victims identified as a .22 or .25 caliber firearm.  He pointed the gun at the teller and demanded money from a cash register.  He then asked to be taken to the store safe.  A store manager led him to the safe in a back office as Brown followed with the gun.  He fled shortly after emptying the safe, collecting a total of $3,680.  Members of the Goldsboro Police Department responded and obtained surveillance from HI-5 and neighboring stores.  They issued a press release with the suspect’s photo and soon received tips identifying BROWN as the robber. 

BROWN was arrested in a separate incident on February 21, 2019, the day after the HI-5 robbery.  Law enforcement were conducting surveillance in an unmarked car at a Dollar General Store in Wilmington, North Carolina, when they spotted a red SUV enter the lot with BROWN in the passenger seat.  After the car parked, officers saw BROWN hold up a bag containing white powder and then appear to ingest cocaine.  The officers made contact with BROWN and spotted in plain sight a small amount of cocaine.  They searched BROWN and found a loaded .25 caliber handgun in his right front pocket.  BROWN admitted to possessing the gun, despite having a prior felony convictions.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.   Since 2017 the United States Department of Justice has reinvigorated the PSN program and has targeted violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.

That effort has been implemented through the Take Back North Carolina Initiative of The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina.  This initiative emphasizes the regional assignment of federal prosecutors to work with law enforcement and District Attorney’s Offices on a sustained basis in those communities to reduce the violent crime rate, drug trafficking, and crimes against law enforcement.

The investigation of this case was conducted by the Goldsboro Police Department, the Wilmington Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).  Assistant United States Attorneys Jake D. Pugh represented the government. 

RALEIGH — The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Robert J. Higdon, Jr., announced that today, Chief United States District Judge Terrence W. Boyle sentenced Clifton Eugene Battle, 35, of Raleigh to 48 months’ imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised release.  Battle pled guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon on February 20, 2019. 

The evidence established that on June 26, 2018, a deputy with the Wake County Sheriff’s Office was on patrol when he saw a car stationary in a travel lane of Poole Road in Raleigh.  The deputy stopped to find BATTLE standing by the car with the driver’s door open.  BATTLE, who had glassy eyes, smelled of alcohol, and was standing over a puddle, explained that he had stopped his car to urinate.  The deputy walked around the car, and spotted a Taurus .38 special revolver sitting in plain view on the passenger seat.  Deputies searched the car and also recovered a box of ammunition from the trunk. 

In 2008, BATTLE was convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm in a crime he used a revolver to shoot a man.  He was on supervised release for that offense when this crime occurred.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.   Since 2017 the United States Department of Justice has reinvigorated the PSN program and has targeted violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.

That effort has been implemented through the Take Back North Carolina Initiative of The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina.  This initiative emphasizes the regional assignment of federal prosecutors to work with law enforcement and District Attorney’s Offices on a sustained basis in those communities to reduce the violent crime rate, drug trafficking, and crimes against law enforcement.

The investigation of this case was conducted by the Wake County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF).  Assistant United States Attorneys Jake D. Pugh represented the government.  

RALEIGH – The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Robert J. Higdon, Jr., announces that United States District Judge James C. Dever, III sentenced RICHARD STINSON, 37, of Wilmington to 192 months of imprisonment followed by 5 years of supervised release.  On July 23, 2018, STINSON pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin, possession with intent to distribute a quantity of heroin and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense.

According to the investigation, this drug trafficking organization was importing heroin from New York to a “stash house” on Northern Boulevard in Wilmington.  STINSON was in charge of this “stash house” where he had people bagging up heroin which was then sold in Wilmington.  STINSON was on parole out of New York for Manslaughter and had picked up some of the heroin while on a trip to meet his parole officer.

On April 1, 2016, the Wilmington Police Department Narcotics Unit served a search warrant on the residence on Northern Boulevard. STINSON and a female were found in the bathroom of the main house.  STINSON was next to a loaded stolen .45 caliber handgun.  In STINSON’S bedroom law enforcement found a key to a safe and 2 handguns.  In the kitchen officers discovered approximately 1000 empty bags ready to be filled with heroin.   In a safe in an apartment in the rear of the property, law enforcement found more than 30 grams of raw heroin, 867 bindles of packaged heroin and more than $1,500.  STINSON was held accountable for more than 280 grams of heroin during the time of the conspiracy.

This case is part of the Take Back North Carolina Initiative of The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina.  This initiative emphasizes the regional assignment of federal prosecutors to work with law enforcement and District Attorney’s Offices on a sustained basis in those communities to reduce the violent crime rate, drug trafficking, and crimes against law enforcement.

The investigation of this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Safe Streets Task Force and the Wilmington Police Department Narcotics Unit.  Assistant United States Attorney Timothy M. Severo handled the prosecution of this case for the government.

RALEIGH – The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Robert J. Higdon, Jr., announces that United States District Judge James C. Dever, III sentenced DOMINQUE RUSSELL, 30, of Durham to 24 months of imprisonment followed by 3 years of supervised release.  On December 28, 2018, RUSSELL pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute a quantity of heroin.

On January 21, 2018, and January 28, 2018, officers with the Henderson Police Department (HPD) utilized a confidential source to conduct controlled buys of heroin from the occupants at 521 Spring Court in Henderson, North Carolina. 

On January 31, 2018, law enforcement executed a search warrant on the home.  In the room belonging to Jermill Blacknall (in federal custody awaiting Arraignment date) and RUSSELL, officers recovered a loaded rifle with two "banana clips" containing 27 and 28 rounds of ammunition, a 9mm 50-round magazine "drum" with 28 rounds, an empty Glock magazine in a Glock box (no gun), and identification belonging to Blacknall.  A search of the remainder of the home revealed scales, a blender with white powder residue, 18.99 grams of heroin (in a car seat), and packaging material.  Blacknall and RUSSELL'S two young children were also in the house.  

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.   Since 2017 the United States Department of Justice has reinvigorated the PSN program and has targeted violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.

That effort has been implemented through the Take Back North Carolina Initiative of The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina.  This initiative emphasizes the regional assignment of federal prosecutors to work with law enforcement and District Attorney’s Offices on a sustained basis in those communities to reduce the violent crime rate, drug trafficking, and crimes against law enforcement.

The investigation of this case was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF) and the Henderson Police Department.  Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. Dodson handled the prosecution of this case for the government.

RALEIGH – Robert J. Higdon, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, announces that a federal grand jury in Raleigh has returned a Superseding Indictment charging ALI KHALESEH DEHGHAN, age 35, from Wake County, with two counts of alien in possession of a firearm and failure to comply with terms of supervised release.  The grand jury also returned an indictment charging LUIS JAVIER GORTAREZ-JIMENEZ, age 24, of Mexico, with Illegal Reentry and Alien in Possession of Ammunition.   

The Superseding Indictment alleges that DEHGHAN, failed to comply with terms of release under supervision, specifically by committing other criminal acts, including but not limited to his arrest in Wake County for Carrying a Concealed Firearm.

As alleged in the charging document, DEHGHAN, an alien illegally and unlawfully in the United States, did possess a firearm in February 2017, and again on February 2019, in and affecting commerce. 

If convicted, DEHGHAN would face maximum penalties of twenty-one years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and a term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. 

If convicted of illegal reentry and alien in possession of ammunition, GORTAREZ-JIMENEZ, previously deported and found in Wake County, would face maximum penalties of twelve years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and a term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.

The charges and allegations contained in the indictments are merely accusations.  The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

The cases are being investigated by ICE’s Enforcement Removal Operations and Homeland Security Investigations.

RALEIGH – Robert J. Higdon, Jr., the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, announces that United States District Judge James C. Dever, III, sentenced NOAH LEE ROWSEY, 19, of Fayetteville to 84 months’ imprisonment, followed by 5 years of supervised released and ordered him to pay $1,148.00 in restitution.

On January 22, 2019, ROWSEY pled guilty to Attempted Hobbs Act robbery and possession a firearm during a crime of violence.  On April 25, 2018, ROWSEY and an accomplice attempted to rob the Five Star BP Gas Station in Fayetteville.  ROWSEY brandished a firearm during the course of the robbery, and then fled the scene.  He was later arrested at his residence in Fayetteville.    

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  Since 2017 the United States Department of Justice has reinvigorated the PSN program and has targeted violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime. 

That effort has been implemented through the Take Back North Carolina Initiative of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina.  This initiative emphasizes the regional assignment of federal prosecutors to work with law enforcement and District Attorney’s Offices on a sustained basis in those communities to reduce the violence crime rate, drug trafficking, and crimes against law enforcement.

The investigation of this case was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and the Fayetteville Police Department. 

Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. Dodson prosecuted the case for the government.

RALEIGH — The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Robert J. Higdon, Jr., announced that today, United States District Judge James C. Dever, III, sentenced Joseph Anthony Vaught, 29, of Wilmington to 150 months’ imprisonment, followed by 5 years of supervised release.  

On January 22, 2019, VAUGHT pled guilty to charges of conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime 

VAUGHT was the last of six men to be sentenced in this case.  His five co-defendants have previously received sentences ranging from 60 to 240 months:

• On May 23, 2018, Eugene Telphia Grady, Jr., was sentenced to 60 months’ imprisonment and 6 years of supervised release, following his guilty plea to a charge of conspiring to distribute crack cocaine. 
• On October 3, 2018, James Flowers was sentenced to 120 months’ imprisonment and 5 years of supervised release, following a guilty plea to conspiring to manufacture, distribute and possess cocaine and 28 grams or more of crack cocaine; manufacture, distribution, and possession with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of crack cocaine; and using and carrying a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
• Also on October 3, 2018, Sylvester Lorenzo Hooper, Jr., was sentenced to 204 months’ imprisonment and 8 years of supervised release, following his guilty plea to conspiring to distribute 28 grams or more of crack cocaine; possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; and distribution of a quantity of crack cocaine. 
• On February 20, 2019, Victor Dorm was sentenced to 240 months’ imprisonment and 5 years of supervised release following his guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute cocaine and 28 grams or more of crack cocaine; distribution of heroin; manufacture, distribution, and possession with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base; using and carrying a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. 
• On April 16, 2018, Rufus Lamar Parker was sentenced to 78 months’ imprisonment and 3 years of supervised release, following a guilty plea to conspiring to distribute cocaine and six counts of distributing cocaine.

These convictions are the result of a long-term undercover operation conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and officers of the Wilmington Police Department.   Beginning in December 2016 and continuing until the federal indictment in August of 2017, ATF used a confidential informant, undercover agents, and a wired undercover apartment to investigate gang and drug activity in the Wilmington, North Carolina area.  Victor Dorm, a principal target of the investigation, was a leader of a subset of the Bloods street gang.  VAUGHT was a lower-ranking member of the gang.    

During the course of the investigation, a confidential informant and undercover agents conducted roughly three-dozen controlled purchases of cocaine, crack cocaine, heroin, counterfeit currency, and multiple firearms from the six co-defendants and other targets.  At the same time, ATF received reports that Dorm and other members of his gang were also conducting violent robberies.   In response, ATF devised a scenario where Dorm and his crew were provided the opportunity to rob a fictitious cocaine stash house.  Dorm was told that a Mexican drug cartel operated the stash house, where two armed men guarded eight to ten kilograms of cocaine.  Dorm confirmed that his crew, including VAUGHT, was ready to commit the robbery.

On August 29, 2017, VAUGHT and co-defendant Sylvester Hooper met with the confidential informant to carry out the plan.  The three men rode to a predetermined location to meet with the undercover agents that supposedly had access to the stash house.  Both VAUGHT and Hooper were armed with handguns and reaffirmed that they wanted to rob the stash house.  From there, Vaught and Hooper followed the undercover agents to a separate location, where they believed the agents would obtain additional cocaine to be delivered to the stash house.  Instead, a team of federal agents executed a take-down, arresting the two men and seizing their firearms. 

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.   Since 2017 the United States Department of Justice has reinvigorated the PSN program and has targeted violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.

That effort has been implemented through the Take Back North Carolina Initiative of The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina.  This initiative emphasizes the regional assignment of federal prosecutors to work with law enforcement and District Attorney’s Offices on a sustained basis in those communities to reduce the violent crime rate, drug trafficking, and crimes against law enforcement.

The investigation of this case was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF), the Wilmington Police Department, the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office, and the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office.  Assistant United States Attorneys Jake D. Pugh represented the government.    

RALEIGH – United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announced that United States District Judge James C. Dever III sentenced NORMAN LYDELL FORD, 45, of Plymouth, North Carolina, to 120 months imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release.

FORD was named in an Indictment filed on October 3, 2018, charging him with conspiracy to distribute cocaine base (crack) and six counts of distribution of cocaine base (crack).  On January 24, 2019, FORD pled guilty to conspiracy and one count of distribution. 

According to the investigation, FORD distributed cocaine base (crack) seven times between December 2015 and April 2018. FORD had multiple previous drug distribution convictions.  

This case was implemented through the Take Back North Carolina Initiative of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina.  This initiative emphasizes the regional assignment of federal prosecutors to work with law enforcement and District Attorney’s Offices in those communities on a sustained basis to reduce the violent crime rate, drug trafficking, and crimes against law enforcement.

Investigation of this case was conducted by North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement. Assistant United States Attorney Lucy Brown represented the government.

RALEIGH – The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Robert J. Higdon, Jr., announced that today in federal court, United States District Judge James C. Dever, III sentenced ZACKERY B. LANEY, 31, formerly of Fort Bragg, North Carolina, to 60 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release.

On July 9, 2018, LANEY pled guilty to Possession of Pseudoephedrine with Intent to Manufacture Methamphetamine.

On November 27, 2017, the Fort Bragg Criminal Investigation Command Office received a report from Laney’s wife advising that her husband, ZACKERY B. LANEY, an active duty sergeant in the United States Army stationed at Fort Bragg, threatened to kill members of his chain of command.  Mrs. Laney reported an AR-15 rifle was missing from their residence and she expressed fear that LANEY was going to commit an act of violence.  She further advised LANEY was a manufacturer and user of drugs.  On the same day, a United States Army Captain contacted LANEY and requested that LANEY return to his unit.  LANEY complied, but before appearing before his commanding officer LANEY fled the building, entered his vehicle, and attempted to put the key in the ignition.  LANEY was asked to return to the building and he complied.  Based on Mrs. Laney's report, LANEY'S vehicle was searched and an AR-15 rifle, containing a loaded magazine with one round in the chamber, was located in the back seat of his vehicle.  Additionally, a partially loaded magazine was found in the driver's door.  Also located in the back seat of the vehicle was a bag containing a funnel, a plastic tube with a bottle cap attached containing a white powdery substance, electrical tape, and a box of instant cold packs containing ammonium nitrate.  Further search of the vehicle revealed items consistent with the production of methamphetamine.

As part of the investigation, agents conducted a search of the pseudoephedrine purchase records maintained by the National Precursor Log Exchange (NPLEx) for LANEY.  The NPLEx database revealed LANEY used his military identification card to make pseudoephedrine purchases from November 30, 2016, to November 26, 2017. It also appeared LANEY used two identification numbers associated with his military identification card to circumvent the legal sales limit.  The NPLEx search revealed that between November 30, 2016, and November 26, 2017, LANEY purchased products containing pseudoephedrine on 95 occasions, totaling 219.84 grams of pseudoephedrine from at least 14 different pharmacies in Cumberland County.  Based on the purchase of pseudoephedrine in this case, LANEY was involved in the manufacturing of methamphetamine from November 30, 2016, to November 27,   2017.

This case was brought using the Take Back North Carolina Initiative of The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina.  This initiative emphasizes the regional assignment of federal prosecutors to work with law enforcement and District Attorney’s Offices on a sustained basis in those communities to reduce the violent crime rate, drug trafficking, and crimes against law enforcement.

Investigation of this case was conducted by the Fort Bragg Military Police, United States Army Criminal Investigation Command, and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Scott A. Lemmon.

RALEIGH – United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announced that today, BRANDON DUWAYNE WRIGHT, 33, of High Point, North Carolina, was convicted in federal court following a two-day trial before United States District Judge James C. Dever III.  WRIGHT was convicted of conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute fifty grams or more of methamphetamine, and distribute and possess with the intent to distribute fifty grams or more of methamphetamine.

The jury heard evidence that WRIGHT traveled from Atlanta, Georgia to Greenville, North Carolina to deliver five kilograms of crystal methamphetamine hidden inside two large dog food bags and a box of laundry detergent.  WRIGHT met a cooperator in a parking lot of a Walmart in Greenville, North Carolina and provided what WRIGHT described as groceries to the cooperator.  After receiving the dog food bags, law enforcement immediately noticed the packages had previously been opened as they were resealed with clear plastic tape. 

WRIGHT faces a minimum sentence of 10 years imprisonment and a maximum of life followed by no less than 5 years supervised release.

The prosecution of WRIGHT was a part of an Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force Operation (OCDETF).  That effort has been implemented through the Take Back North Carolina Initiative of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina.  This initiative emphasizes the regional assignment of federal prosecutors to work with law enforcement and District Attorney’s Offices on a sustained basis in those communities to reduce the violent crime rate, drug trafficking, and crimes against law enforcement.

Investigation of this enforcement operation was conducted by the Greenville Regional Drug Task Force consisting of the Greenville Police Department, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Winterville Police Department, East Carolina University Police Department, and North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation.  Assistant United States Attorney Dena King represented the government. 

RALEIGH – Robert J. Higdon, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, announces that a federal grand jury in Raleigh has returned indictments charging JOSE JESUS CAMACHO-JARAMILLO, age 29, of Mexico, AGUSTIN NUNEZ-LEONARDO, age 20, of Mexico, and Lorenzo OROCIO-Cruz, age 35, of Mexico, with Illegal Reentry of a Deported Alien.

If convicted of illegal reentry of a deported alien, CAMACHO-JARAMILLO, who was previously convicted of Unlawful Entry, deported twice, and then found in Johnston County; NUNEZ-LEONARDO, who was previously convicted of Unlawful Entry, deported three times, and then found in Wake County; and OROCIO-Cruz, who was previously convicted of Unlawful Entry, deported twice, and then found in Granville County, would face maximum penalties of two years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and a term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.

The charges and allegations contained in the indictments are merely accusations.  The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. 

The cases are being investigated by ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations and Homeland Security Investigations.

RALEIGH – United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announced that today in federal court, Chief United States District Judge Terrence W. Boyle sentenced RAYMOND GRIFFIN, 37, of Raleigh, North Carolina to 240 months imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised release, a $35,000.00 fine, and ordered GRIFFIN to pay $2,159.00 in restitution.

GRIFFIN was named in an Indictment filed on March 28, 2018 charging him with bank robbery.  On January 8, 2019, GRIFFIN was found guilty by a jury of that charge. 

On August 29, 2017, GRIFFIN entered the Wells Fargo Bank in Raleigh with his face covered with a  bandana.  He approached a teller and yelled, “Give me all your money! Give me all your money, now!” Shortly thereafter, GRIFFIN jumped over the counter and stole $2,159.00 in United States currency, placing it in a plastic bag before fleeing on foot.  One of the employees activated the silent alarm at that time.   Officers with the Raleigh Police Department responded to the area and obtained a description of the man who had robbed the bank.  Officers received information from a citizen nearby who saw a man fitting the bank robbers’ description walking on foot towards a neighborhood under construction.

A short time later an officer located GRIFFIN walking out of a portable toilet. GRIFFIN saw the officer and began to engage men at the construction site in conversation although they seemed confused by his presence.  Law enforcement approached GRIFFIN and detained him.  GRIFFIN had $2,159.00 on his person and law enforcement found clothing matching the clothing worn during the robbery in the portable toilet.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.   Since 2017 the United States Department of Justice has reinvigorated the PSN program and has targeted violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.

That effort has been implemented through the Take Back North Carolina Initiative of The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina.  This initiative emphasizes the regional assignment of federal prosecutors to work with law enforcement and District Attorney’s Offices on a sustained basis in those communities to reduce the violent crime rate, drug trafficking, and crimes against law enforcement.

The investigation of this case was conducted by the Raleigh Police Department as well as the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jacob Pugh and Charity Wilson.

NEW BERN - United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announced that, DELTON WARREN, 55, of Fayetteville was convicted in federal court following a 2-day trial before United States District Judge Louise W. Flanagan.  The jury found WARREN guilty of felon in possession of a firearm and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

The jury heard evidence that WARREN distributed cocaine and crack cocaine from February 2017 to April 2017 and, during that time period, the Fayetteville Police Department utilized a confidential informant to make four undercover purchases of crack cocaine from WARREN.  As the investigation continued, Officers obtained a search warrant for WARREN’s residence.  WARREN was arrested and was found to be in possession of crack cocaine.  Inside the residence, Officers found a large quantity of crack cocaine, powder cocaine and a large amount of currency.  In close proximity to the drugs and money, Officers found a loaded handgun ready to be fired.

WARREN faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment followed by 5 years of supervised release at his sentencing hearing at a later date.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.   Since 2017 the United States Department of Justice has reinvigorated the PSN program and has targeted violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.

That effort has been implemented through the Take Back North Carolina Initiative of The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina.  This initiative emphasizes the regional assignment of federal prosecutors to work with law enforcement and District Attorney’s Offices on a sustained basis in those communities to reduce the violent crime rate, drug trafficking, and crimes against law enforcement.

Investigation of this case was conducted by the Fayettteville Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF). Assistant United States Attorneys Jane Jackson and Chad Rhoades handled the prosecution of this case for the government.

ELIZABETH CITY - United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announced that, KACEY HICKS, 34, of Henderson, North Carolina was convicted in federal court following a 2-day trial before Chief United States District Judge Terrance W. Boyle. The jury heard evidence that HICKS kept a residence in the Flint Hill neighborhood of Henderson.  After receiving a complaint regarding drug activity at that residence, law enforcement conducted an investigation which led to a search warrant of the premises, where HICKS was found hiding under a bed in close physical proximity to a firearm.  Officers seized distributable quantities of cocaine and marijuana, ammunition, two additional firearms, drug paraphernalia, and US currency during the course of their search.  The jury found HICKS guilty of possession with intent to distribute cocaine and marijuana; felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition; and maintaining a dwelling for drug distribution.

HICKS faces a maximum sentence of 20 years imprisonment followed by no less than 3 years of supervised release on the drug counts, and a maximum sentence of 10 years imprisonment followed by no more than 3 years of supervised release on the firearm count.

This case was brought using the Take Back North Carolina Initiative of The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina. This initiative emphasizes the regional assignment of federal prosecutors to work with law enforcement and District Attorney’s Offices on a sustained basis in those communities to reduce the violent crime rate, drug trafficking, and crimes against law enforcement.

Investigation of this case was conducted by the Henderson Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF).  Assistant United States Attorneys Thomas Crosby and Laura Howard handled the prosecution of this case for the government.

RALEIGH – United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announces the results of the DEA April 27, 2019, 17th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.  Nationwide, DEA, along with their law enforcement partners collected nearly 469 tons of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs.  In the Eastern District of North Carolina, approximately 7,229.92 pounds were collected and 8,968 pounds were collected statewide.

“Across the country and here in the Eastern District of North Carolina, we are facing a real and dangerous threat from opioids and other prescription drugs,” said United States Attorney Higdon.  “We have unprecedented levels of addiction, frightening numbers of overdoses, and an alarming number of deaths because of the over prescription and improper use of these drugs.  This requires each of us to work to solve it.  By properly disposing of prescription medication we do not need, we can reduce the risk that these drugs will fall into the wrong hands.”

Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs.  Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet.  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 91 Americans die each day from an opioid overdose.  Some painkiller abusers move on to heroin: Four out of five new heroin users started with painkillers.

Flushing medications down the toilet or throwing them in the trash pose potential safety and health hazards.  This initiative addresses the public safety and public health issues that surround medications languishing in home cabinets, becoming highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse.

DEA’s next National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is October 26, 2019.  For complete results of the recently concluded Spring Take Back Day visit www.DEATakeBack.com.  If you missed the Take Back Day click here https://apps2.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/pubdispsearch/spring/main?execution=e1s1 to locate an authorized collector in your area.

RALEIGH - United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announced that today, DANNIE SIMON PARKER, JR., 48, of Raleigh, North Carolina was convicted in federal court following a two-day trial before United States District Judge James C. Dever, III.  The jury found PARKER guilty of Bank Robbery.

On December 28, 2017, PARKER, entered the PNC Bank in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina.  Utilizing a handwritten demand note, PARKER, who was unarmed, stole $1,975 from the bank before fleeing.  He was caught a short time later on I-95 South, after police blocked traffic in order to apprehend him.  In the passenger seat of the car PARKER was driving were the funds from the robbery, as well as the demand note, and various other incriminating items.  PARKER has two prior convictions for federal bank robbery, and was on federal supervised release at the time of the robbery.

PARKER faces a maximum sentence of 20 years imprisonment followed by 3 years of supervised release, along with a fine of up to $250,000.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.   Since 2017 the United States Department of Justice has reinvigorated the PSN program and has targeted violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.

In support of PSN, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina has implemented the Take Back North Carolina Initiative.  This initiative emphasizes the regional assignment of federal prosecutors to work with law enforcement and District Attorney’s Offices on a sustained basis in those communities to reduce the violent crime rate, drug trafficking, and crimes against law enforcement.

Investigation of this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Roanoke Rapids Police Department, and the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office.  Assistant United States Attorneys Donald R. Pender and Melissa B. Kessler handled the prosecution of this case for the government.

RALEIGH – Robert J. Higdon, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, announces the arrest after a federal grand jury sitting in Raleigh previously returned an indictment charging FURMAN ALEXANDER FORD, 49, of Raleigh with eleven counts each of Mail Fraud and Wire Fraud. 

Between August 2014 and December 2014, FORD allegedly committed Mail Fraud and Wire Fraud based on the defendant’s scheme to submit fraudulent withdrawal letters on behalf of an elderly victim to New York Life Insurance (NYL) for payments totaling $246,000.  FORD worked as a financial advisor for NYL.

In 2009, the victim inherited real property valued at $1.3 million from a relative in Durham, NC.  After the estate was settled, FORD assisted the victim in setting-up a charitable trust with NYL using the inheritance proceeds.   He worked as an insurance and financial agent at NYL from 2012 to 2015, and met the victim through a mutual friend.  The charitable trust agreement provided an annuity payment in the amount of $6,000 per month to victim during her lifetime.  As part of FORD’s responsibility as a financial agent, he drafted and submitted authorized letters of withdrawal from the victim’s trust account to pay certain expenses.  Under NYL customer service guidelines, the financial agent is required to have the client sign the letter with “wet ink” before submitting to NYL via the mail.  The funds would then be electronically wired to the recipient as directed by the client with their full knowledge and consent.

During the course of this investigation, agents identified eleven separate fraudulent letters of withdraw drafted by FORD and submitted to NYL headquarters in NY on behalf of his client.  The letters were all mailed by FORD via UPS from his office in Raleigh.  The funds requested ranged from $5,000 to $45,000 and totaled $246,000.  The proceeds were then electronically wired into the victim’s personal checking account in clear violation of NYL policy.  Agents believe the defendant “cut and paste” the victim’s signature from a legitimate letter before making a copy and sending it to NYL on some of the fraudulent letters and on the remaining letters, her signature had been forged.  The forged signatures appear to be signed by the same person, presumably FORD. 

If convicted on all of the charges, FORD would face a maximum penalty of 20 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and a term of supervised release of not more than 3 years, and restitution.

The charges and allegations contained in the Indictment are merely accusations.  The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

Investigation of this case was conducted by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Assistant United States Attorney Ethan Ontjes is prosecuting the case for the government.

RALEIGH – United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. will join the DEA on April 27th for its 17th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.  The biannual event will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at thousands of collection sites around the country, including here in the (Eastern District of North Carolina. The event is an effort to rid homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs.

“Across the county and here in the Eastern District of North Carolina, we are facing a real and dangerous threat from opioids and other prescription drugs,” said United States Attorney Higdon.  “We have unprecedented levels of addiction, frightening numbers of overdoses and an alarming number of deaths because of the over prescription and improper use of these drugs.  And this requires each of us to work to solve it.  By properly disposing of prescription medication we do not need, we can reduce the risk that these drugs will fall into the wrong hands.  Please help us resolve this problem by participating in the national Prescription Drug Take Back Day.”

Robert J. Murphy, the Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division said, “Addressing the problem of the abuse of controlled pharmaceuticals continues to be one of DEA’s top priorities.  One way to address this issue is to encourage the public to properly remove their unwanted, unused and dated prescription medications from their homes. DEA and its law enforcement and community partners are holding its seventeenth take-back event in order to child proof and teen proof homes so that these medications cannot be abused.  I invite you to do your part in the midst of this opioid crisis as we strive to make our communities safer.”

Last October Americans turned in 457 tons (900,000 pounds) of prescription drugs at almost 6,000 sites operated by the DEA and more than 4,800 of its state and local law enforcement partners.  Overall, in its 16 previous Take Back events, DEA and its partners have taken in over 11 million pounds—more than 5,400 tons—of pills.  The disposal service is free and anonymous, no questions asked. (The DEA cannot accept liquids, needles, or sharps, only pills or patches.)

Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs.  Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet.  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 91 Americans die each day from an opioid overdose.  Some painkiller abusers move on to heroin: Four out of five new heroin users started with painkillers.

Flushing medications down the toilet or throwing them in the trash pose potential safety and health hazards.  This initiative addresses the public safety and public health issues that surround medications languishing in home cabinets, becoming highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse.

For more information or to locate a collection site near you, go the DEA Prescription Drug Take Back Day web site at https://takebackday.dea.gov/#collection-locator where you can search by zip code, city, or state.

RALEIGH – Robert J. Higdon, Jr., the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, announces today that Chief United States District Judge Terrence W. Boyle sentenced ANDREA BLOODWORTH, 57, of New Hanover County to 108 months’ imprisonment, followed by 4 years of supervised release.    On January 17, 2019, BLOODWORTH who was on supervised release for a previous federal conviction of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 28 grams or more of crack cocaine and a quantity of cocaine, possession with intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine base and cocaine, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.  BLOODWORTH also admitted to violating conditions of federal supervised release, which was a factor considered in the sentence imposed by the Court. 

On January 9, 2018, BLOODWORTH fled from New Hanover County Sheriff’s Vice Detectives as they attempted to make a traffic stop of a vehicle driven by BLOODWORTH,  following what they observed to be a drug transaction in the Wal-Mart parking lot on Sigmund Road in Wilmington.    BLOODWORTH fled from officers, but was eventually stopped.  Further investigation revealed that, while attempting to flee, BLOODWORTH told a passenger to conceal individual baggies of crack cocaine in a pill bottle, which the passenger did.     

On May 17, 2018, the Wilmington Police Department and the FBI Safe Streets Unit executed a search warrant at BLOODWORTH’s residence on Manley Avenue in Wilmington North Carolina.  Law Enforcement found crack cocaine, cocaine, a loaded .22 caliber handgun, and more than $10,000 in United States currency.

 BLOODWORTH was on federal supervised release at the time of his arrest for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

This case is also part of the Take Back North Carolina Initiative of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina.  This initiative emphasizes the regional assignment of federal prosecutors to work with law enforcement and District Attorney’s Offices on a sustained basis in those communities to reduce the violent crime rate, drug trafficking, and crimes against law enforcement.

The investigation of this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigations Safe Streets Unit (Gangs), the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, the Wilmington Police Department and the New Hanover Sheriff’s Offices.  Assistant United States Attorney Timothy Severo prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.  

The Department of Justice and the U.S.  Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced a settlement with Honeywell International Inc., and International Paper Co., for cleanup of contaminated soils and sediments at the LCP-Holtrachem plant in Riegelwood, Columbus County, North Carolina.  The United States brought its action under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), also known as the Superfund Law, and the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA).   The LCP-Holtrachem Superfund Site (the Site) is about 24 acres adjacent to the Cape Fear River at 636 John Riegel Road.  From 1963 to 2000, the LCP-Holtrachem plant made chemicals such as sodium hydroxide, liquid chlorine, hydrogen gas, liquid bleach and hydrochloric acid using a mercury cell process.

According to the complaint, filed simultaneously with the settlement today in the Eastern District of North Carolina, the two companies are liable for historic industrial discharges of metals, including mercury, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) at the Site.

“This settlement incisively corrects historic environmental issues impinging on the Cape Fear River,” said Assistant Attorney General Jeffrey Bossert Clark of the Department of Justice’s Environment and Natural Resources Division.  “The Department of Justice will continue to work with its partners at EPA to ensure that companies are held accountable for past environmental damage as required by CERCLA.”   

“Environmental law violations will be vigorously pursued by our office through civil and other enforcement tools, in coordination with our partners at the EPA and U.S. Department of Justice,” said United States Attorney Robert J.  Higdon, Jr. of the Eastern District of North Carolina.   “The required full remediation, along with repayment of all EPA response costs, sends a message to polluters that violators will be held accountable for restoring our beautiful rivers and land here in North Carolina.”

Under the proposed settlement, Honeywell and International Paper will address contaminated soils and sediments through a combination of in-situ treatment, on-site storage, and off-site treatment and disposal.  The two companies will also reimburse the United States for all past and future costs associated with the cleanup.  In exchange, the two companies will receive a covenant not to sue and protection from suit by third parties. 

The two companies previously performed investigations and preliminary cleanup work under prior agreements with EPA.   

“The environmental benefits that will result from today’s settlement are a win for the communities near this Superfund site,” said EPA Acting Regional Administrator Mary S.  Walker.  “This agreement demonstrates EPA’s commitment to hold companies responsible for contamination they caused.”  

EPA uses the Superfund Alternative Approach (SAA) for the Site, so it has not been proposed for addition to the National Priorities List (NPL).   Under the SAA, EPA uses the same investigation and cleanup process and standards it uses for NPL sites, and saves the time and resources associated with NPL listing.

Honeywell is the current owner of the Site.  The Site is contiguous to about 1,300 acres of land owned by International Paper.  Since 1951, International Paper has operated a bleached kraft paper mill there, which manufactures paperboard from wood fiber.  International Paper used many of the chemicals manufactured at the LCP-Holtrachem plant.  Hazardous substances from the LCP-Holtrachem plant were disposed of at the International Paper property and are being addressed under the settlement.    

The consent decree is subject to a 30-day public comment period and final approval by the court.   A copy of the consent decree is available on the Department of Justice web site at www.usdoj.gov/enrd/Consent_Decrees.html.  Additionally, EPA will hold a public meeting in Riegelwood during the public comment process.

RALEIGH – United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announced that United States District Judge James C. Dever III sentenced jeremy hough, 35, of Raleigh, North Carolina to 78  months’ imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised release.

HOUGH was named in an Indictment filed on September 11, 2018, charging him with felon in possession of a firearm.  On December 3, 2018, HOUGH pled guilty to the charge. 

On May 8, 2018, Raleigh Police Department officers attempted to arrest HOUGH on an outstanding warrant. When they approached HOUGH, he fled, throwing a 9mm firearm into bushes.  Officers caught and arrested HOUGH and recovered the firearm.  

Investigation of this case was conducted by the Raleigh Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF).  Assistant Unite States Attorney Erin Blondel represented the government.

RALEIGH – United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announced that United States District Judge James C. Dever III sentenced LASHUN TRACY TINNEN, 37, of Mebane, North Carolina to 262 months imprisonment, followed by 5 years of supervised release.

The prosecution of TINNEN was a part of an  Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force Operation (OCDETF), which has focused on cocaine and cocaine base (crack) distributors in Nash, Edgecombe, and  Halifax counties.

TINNEN was named in a two-count Indictment filed on August 1, 2018 charging him with conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute five (5) kilograms or more of cocaine from December 2013 until May 10, 2018; and possession with intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine.  On November 5, 2018, TINNEN pled guilty to both charges.   

United States Attorney Higdon stated, “Drug traffickers like TINNEN threaten our communities with deadly controlled substances.  The United States Attorney’s Office is committed to taking back North Carolina from the violent criminals and drug traffickers, like TINNEN, that are plaguing the Eastern District of North Carolina.  In addition, we stand ready to aggressively pursue those who would commit violent acts against our law enforcement officers, because it is imperative that we protect those who protect us.”

Robert J. Murphy, the Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division commented on the case, “Those involved in drug trafficking deliver deadly doses of poison to the community. DEA’s job is to protect the community from the scourge of drug abuse. I would like to thank our law enforcement partners and the U.S. Attorney’s Office who helped make this investigation a success.”

According to the investigation, TINNEN traveled from Mebane, North Carolina to Raleigh, North Carolina on May 10, 2018 to deliver 18 ounces of cocaine.  TINNEN arrived in the parking lot at the Crabtree Valley Mall expecting to sell the cocaine, but was instead blocked in by law enforcement officers and a tactical paramedic.  TINNEN rammed his vehicle into the unmarked police vehicle while attempting to flee.  TINNEN received a sentencing enhancement for assaulting officers during the course of flight, which created a substantial risk of serious bodily injury to the law enforcement officers attempting to apprehend him.  A search of TINNEN’s vehicle revealed approximately 500 grams of cocaine and over $17,000 in United States currency.  TINNEN’s wife and small child were present with him at the time.  During a subsequent search of TINNEN’s home, officers located two firearms, one of which was stolen, and $2,000 in United States currency.  TINNEN also received a sentencing enhancement for the possession of a dangerous weapon during the time of the drug conspiracy.

This case is part of the United States Attorney’s Office’s Take Back North Carolina Initiative.  This initiative emphasizes the regional assignment of federal prosecutors to work with law enforcement and District Attorney’s Offices on a sustained basis in those communities to reduce the violent crime rate, drug trafficking, and crimes against law enforcement.

Investigation of this case was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Rocky Mount Police Department, Raleigh Police Department, City of Raleigh, and Wake County Government Department of Emergency Medical Services.  Assistant United States Attorney Dena King represented the government. 

RALEIGH – United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announced that United States District Judge James C. Dever III sentenced DIEGO AROSTEGUI, JR, 23, of Cuba and WALTER CORREA-CISNEROS, 32, of Venezuelan to 33 months imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised release and ordered them to pay $19,966.00 in restitution.   

AROSTEGUI was named in a two-count Criminal Information filed on October 10, 2018.  CORREA-CISNEROS was named in a two-count Criminal Information filed on October 23, 2018.  Both men pled guilty to one-count of Access Device Fraud and Aiding and Abetting and one-count of Aggravated Identity Fraud and Aiding and Abetting.  AROSTEGUI was sentenced on April 17, 2019 and CORREA-CISNEROS was sentenced on April 2, 2019.

In March 2018, the Wilmington Police Department (WPD) was alerted by investigators with the State Employees’ Credit Union (SECU) fraud division of ongoing fraudulent debit/credit card withdrawals being made from member accounts at various automated teller machines (ATMs) in the Wilmington area.  On March 5, 2018, the United States Secret Service (USSS) was notified by the SECU and the WPD that three individuals were attempting to illegally withdraw money from an SECU ATM located on Wrightsville Avenue in Wilmington.  Officers responded to that location and conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle being driven by CORREA-CISNEROS.  AROSTEGUI and another person were passengers in the car.  A search of the vehicle revealed approximately $9,319 in United States currency, numerous debit/credit cards, computers, digital storage media, and two debit/credit card readers/encoders.

Investigators with the SECU’s fraud unit and the USSS determined that the fraudulent debit/credit cards were used at multiple ATM locations in the Wilmington area over a period of several days.  Further, the SECU’s fraud unit confirmed that an illegal debit/credit card skimming device had been placed on a SECU ATM in Leland, North Carolina.  A forensic search of the seized laptop computers and cell phones revealed 566 individual card numbers which were issued by 71 different financial institutions, including 7 card numbers which were issued by financial institution in Mexico and 1 from India.  The intended loss was calculated at $283,000.

On July 3, 2018, investigators received credible information identifying co-conspirators based in Venezuela and the Miami, Florida, area who were involved in the scheme to commit access device fraud.  The conspirators downloaded credit card data from Bluetooth debit/credit card skimming devices which were secretly installed in Tritan ATMs.  After obtaining the debit/credit card and personal identification numbers (PIN) from the debit/credit card skimming devices, the coconspirators used a credit card reader/writer to reencode counterfeit debit/credit cards.  In March 2018, CORREA-CISNEROS and AROSTEGUI used the fraudulent debit/credit cards at ATMs in the Wilmington area to withdraw funds from multiple victims’ accounts.  The investigation revealed that the conspirators were traveling to various states, including Georgia, California, and Florida, to install debit/credit card skimming devices.  It is estimated that the group made $250,000 monthly as a result of the fraudulent scheme.  CORREA-CISNEROS and AROSTEGUI and other coconspirators travelled to the Concord Mills Mall in Concord, North Carolina, in December 2017.  Two unidentified individuals utilized a computer to install a “virus” on an ATM and CORREA-CISNEROS and AROSTEGUI stood at the ATM and collected approximately $32,000 in United States currency that was dispensed.

Additionally, investigators learned that in March 2018, CORREA-CISNEROS, AROSTEGUI spent four or five days in the Wilmington area placing pin-hole camera skimming devices on ATMs and collecting account numbers.  Those numbers were then encoded onto magnetic stripe cards and used to fraudulently withdraw funds from ATMs.  CORREA-CISNEROS and AROSTEGUI also travelled to the Wilmington area two to three weeks earlier in order to recover debit/credit card skimming devices and computers which were left in a suitcase in a storage unit by another coconspirator.  In December 2017, CORREA-CISNEROS and AROSTEGUI, and others travelled to Charlotte and used debit/credit card skimming devices and pin-hole cameras to collect account numbers which were then encoded onto magnetic stripe cards with those numbers and used to fraudulently withdraw funds from ATMs.  During the “cash-out” scheme at the Concord Mills Mall, CORREA-CISNEROS and AROSTEGUI took turns collecting an estimated $32,000 in United States currency which was dispensed by the ATM.

Based upon the investigation, CORREA-CISNEROS and AROSTEGUI are accountable for committing access device fraud and identity theft from 2017 to March 5, 2018.  The offense involved 10 or more victims and the intended loss of the offense is $315,000.  Additionally, the offense involved the possession or use of device-making equipment.

Investigation of this case was conducted by the United States Secret Service, and Wilmington Police Department.  Assistant United States Attorney Ethan Ontjes represented the government. 

RALEIGH – Robert J. Higdon, Jr., the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, announces today that Chief United States District Judge Terrence W. Boyle sentenced EARL WALLACE JEFFERS, III, 28, of Elizabeth City to 72 months’ imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised released

On January 17, 2019, JEFFERS pled guilty to possession of firearms by a convicted felon and possession of stolen firearms. 

On January 30, 2018, an Elizabeth City resident reported to the Elizabeth City Police Department (ECPD) that a breaking and entering had occurred at his home with several items missing, including four firearms.  The next day on January 31, 2018, another Elizabeth City resident contacted ECPD regarding three firearms he purchased from JEFFERS to inquire if they had been stolen.  Police confirmed that the three firearms were those stolen from the homeowner the day before.  The fourth firearm was never recovered.  Surveillance footage from a nearby business captures JEFFERS in the vicinity of the residence before, during, and after the breaking and entering.  JEFFERS is a convicted felon and was therefore prohibited from possessing firearms.    

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  Since 2017 the United States Department of Justice has reinvigorated the PSN program and has targeted violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime. 

This case is also part of the Take Back North Carolina Initiative of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina.  This initiative emphasizes the regional assignment of federal prosecutors to work with law enforcement and District Attorney’s Offices on a sustained basis in those communities to reduce the violence crime rate, drug trafficking, and crimes against law enforcement.

The investigation of this case was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and the Elizabeth City Police Department. 

Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. Dodson prosecuted the case for the government.

RALEIGH - The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Robert J. Higdon, Jr., announced that United States District Judge James C. Dever III, sentenced Rufus Lamar Parker, 28, of Wilmington to 78 months’ imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised release. 

On July 9, 2018, PARKER pled guilty to six counts of distributing powder cocaine.  He pled guilty to an additional count charging conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine on November 30, 2018. 

PARKER was the fifth of six co-defendants to be sentenced in this case.  Four co-defendants have previously received sentences ranging from 60 to 240 months:

• On May 23, 2018, Eugene Telphia Grady, Jr., was sentenced to 60 months’ imprisonment and 6 years of supervised release, following his guilty plea to a charge of conspiring to distribute crack cocaine. 
• On October 3, 2018, James Flowers was sentenced to 120 months’ imprisonment and 5 years of supervised release, following a guilty plea to conspiring to manufacture, distribute and possess cocaine and 28 grams of more of crack cocaine; manufacture, distribution, and possession with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of crack cocaine; and use and carrying a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
• On October 3, 2018, Sylvester Lorenzo Hooper, Jr., was sentenced to 204 months’ imprisonment and 8 years of supervised release, following his guilty plea to conspiring to distribute 28 grams or more of crack cocaine; possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; and distribution of a quantity of crack cocaine. 
• On February 20, 2019, Victor Dorm was sentenced to 240 months’ imprisonment and 5 years of supervised release following his guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute cocaine and 28 grams or more of crack cocaine; distribution of heroin; manufacture, distribution, and possession with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base; use and carry a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. 

The remaining co-defendant, Joseph Anthony Vaught, is awaiting sentencing, which is currently set for April 29, 2019.  He entered a guilty plea on January 22, 2019, to charges of conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. 

These convictions are the result of a long-term undercover operation conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and Officers of the Wilmington Police Department.   Beginning in December 2016 and continuing until the federal indictment in August of 2017, ATF used a confidential informant, undercover agents, and a wired undercover apartment to investigate gang and drug activity in the Wilmington, North Carolina area.  Victor Dorm, a principal target of the investigation, was a leader of a subset of the Bloods street gang.  Officers learned during the course of the investigation that Parker, a close associate of Dorm, supplied Dorm and other Bloods gang members with powder cocaine.  The gang then cooked the powder cocaine into crack cocaine, which they sold in the Wilmington area. 

During the course of the investigation, law enforcement was able to conduct a large numbers of controlled purchases of contraband from each of the six co-defendants, as well as from five additional men who have pled guilty in separate federal cases.   The confidential informant and undercover agents conducted roughly three-dozen transactions, purchasing cocaine, crack cocaine, heroin, counterfeit currency, and multiple firearms.  PARKER made seven of the sales, dating from March to July of 2017.  In each transaction, PARKER supplied one-, two-, or three-ounce quantities of cocaine to a confidential informant, with a street value of approximately $1,500 per ounce.  On August 29, 2017, officers executed a search warrant at PARKER’s residence, recovering an additional 117 grams of powder cocaine, as well as $31,020 in cash.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.   Since 2017 the United States Department of Justice has reinvigorated the PSN program and has targeted violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.

That effort has been implemented through the Take Back North Carolina Initiative of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina.  This initiative emphasizes the regional assignment of federal prosecutors to work with law enforcement and District Attorney’s Offices on a sustained basis in those communities to reduce the violent crime rate, drug trafficking, and crimes against law enforcement.

The investigation of this case was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF), the Wilmington Police Department, the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office, and the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office.  Assistant United States Attorneys Jake D. Pugh represented the government. 

RALEIGH – Robert J. Higdon, Jr., the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, announces that Chief United States District Judge Terrence W. Boyle sentenced TYRA MAKAVA WATSON, 19, of Lumberton to 144 months’ imprisonment, followed by 5 years of supervised released, and BOBBY PRESTON MCNAIR, 26, of Lumberton to 184 months’ imprisonment, followed by 5 years of supervised released.

On January 16, 2019, WATSON pled guilty to five counts of Hobbs Act robbery and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence.  On December 12, 2018, MCNAIR, pled guilty to four counts of Hobbs Act robbery and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. 

On October 30, 2017, WATSON and MCNAIR, robbed the Minuteman Gas Station in St. Pauls, NC, followed by the robbery of the Family Dollar store on Norment Road in Lumberton.  On November 2, 2017, the two then robbed the Family Dollar store on Roberts Avenue in Lumberton, and on November 4, 2017, they robbed the Family Dollar store on East 5th Street in Lumberton.  Lastly, WATSON robbed the Dollar General store on Canton Road in Lumberton.  On each occasion, either WATSON or MCNAIR, brandished a firearm and took money from the business. 

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  Since 2017 the United States Department of Justice has reinvigorated the PSN program and has targeted violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime. 

This case is also part of the Take Back North Carolina Initiative of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina.  This initiative emphasizes the regional assignment of federal prosecutors to work with law enforcement and District Attorney’s Offices on a sustained basis in those communities to reduce the violence crime rate, drug trafficking, and crimes against law enforcement.

The investigation of this case was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and the Lumberton Police Department. 

Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. Dodson prosecuted the case for the government.

RALEIGH – Robert J. Higdon, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, announces that a federal grand jury in Raleigh has returned indictments charging LESTER ALEXANDER FLORES-PAZ, age 34, of Guatemala, VICENTE GONZALEZ-PITEROS, age 32, of Mexico, and ALDO NOE RAMOS-ANDINO, age 32, of Honduras, with Illegal Reentry of a Deported Alien.

If convicted of illegal reentry of a deported alien, FLORES-PAZ, previously deported two times and found in Harnett County, GONZALEZ-PITEROS, previously deported and found in Gates County, and RAMOS-ANDINO, previously deported and found in Sampson County, would each face maximum penalties of two years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and a term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.

The charges and allegations contained in the indictments are merely accusations.  The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. 

The cases are being investigated by ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations and Homeland Security Investigations.

RALEIGH – Robert J. Higdon, Jr., the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, announces that United States District Judge James C. Dever, III sentenced MARQUIS ANTIONE BARNES, 20, of Sanford to 54 months’ imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised released.

On November 7, 2018, BARNES was named in a one-count Indictment charging him with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.  On January 7, 2019, BARNERS pled guilty to the charge. 

On September 5, 2018, during an investigation into a case involving stolen firearms and drug distribution, the Harnett County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) obtained permission to search a telephone of an individual.  During the search, a video with the name of “Marquis 919” was located.  In this video, the male, identified as BARNES, was seen with a Glock semi-automatic handgun, which contained an extended magazine.  Another video located showed BARNES sleeping with a Glock with an extended magazine located near him.  The weapon appeared to be the same weapon in both videos.

On September 8, 2018, a deputy with the HSCO conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle.  When the deputy approached the vehicle, an odor of marijuana was detected.  BARNES was in the front passenger seat and an unidentified passenger was in the back seat.  All three individuals were removed from the vehicle and, after searching the vehicle, the deputy seized a small bag of marijuana.  At that time, the deputy conducted a search of the occupants to determine if they had any outstanding warrants.  BARNES had a warrant for his arrest for Possession of a Firearm in Harnett County and he was arrested.  Further search of the vehicle resulted in the seizure of a Glock 9mm handgun containing an extended magazine with 23 rounds of ammunition located between the passenger seat and center console.  BARNES stated the gun was his.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  Since 2017 the United States Department of Justice has reinvigorated the PSN program and has targeted violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime. 

This case is also part of the Take Back North Carolina Initiative of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina.  This initiative emphasizes the regional assignment of federal prosecutors to work with law enforcement and District Attorney’s Offices on a sustained basis in those communities to reduce the violence crime rate, drug trafficking, and crimes against law enforcement.

The investigation of this case was conducted by the Harnett County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). 

Assistant United States Attorney Daniel W. Smith prosecuted the case for the government.

RALEIGH – Robert J. Higdon, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, announces that GUADALUPE ESPINOSA-PENA, age 61, of Mexico, residing in Wake County, North Carolina, was sentenced to one month imprisonment and one year supervised release by United States District Judge Louise W. Flanagan after a guilty plea to illegal voting by an alien.

According to court records, ESPINOSA-PENA is a lawful permanent resident whose application for United States citizenship had been denied. ESPINOSA-PENA attempted to register to vote in North Carolina previously, but was informed he could not register as he was not a United States citizen. Thereafter, ESPINOSA-PENA nonetheless completed a voter registration with an election official’s aid and registered to vote.  The election official advised ESPINOSA-PENA that “if he wanted his voice to be heard, he needed to vote.”  As detailed in the Indictment, ESPINOSA-PENA voted in the General Election of 2016 in Wake County, North Carolina held in part for the purpose of electing a candidate for the office of President of the United States.

The case was investigated under the framework of the Document and Benefit Fraud Task Force (DBFTF) in the Eastern District of North Carolina led by Homeland Security Investigations, among other agencies. The investigation as to voting fraud is ongoing.

RALEIGH – Robert J. Higdon, Jr., the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, announces that Chief United States District Judge Terrence W. Boyle sentenced MAURICE SHAWAYNE HARRIS, a/k/a “Gator”, 38, of Oxford to 60 months’ imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised released.

On January 2, 2019, HARRIS pled guilty to possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. 

In January 2018, the Oxford Police Department attempted to make a traffic stop of a vehicle occupied by HARRIS, to investigate a report of shots fired in the area.  HARRIS jumped and ran from the vehicle.  Inside of that vehicle officers recovered a box of .38 caliber ammunition.  Officers traced HARRIS’s flight path and recovered a Taurus model .38 caliber revolver.  HARRIS was later arrested by the Oxford Police Department.    

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  Since 2017 the United States Department of Justice has reinvigorated the PSN program and has targeted violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime. 

This case is also part of the Take Back North Carolina Initiative of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina.  This initiative emphasizes the regional assignment of federal prosecutors to work with law enforcement and District Attorney’s Offices on a sustained basis in those communities to reduce the violence crime rate, drug trafficking, and crimes against law enforcement.

The investigation of this case was conducted by the Oxford Police Department and the North Carolina State Highway Patrol. 

Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. Dodson prosecuted the case for the government.

RALEIGH – United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announced that today in federal court, Chief United States District Judge Terrence W. Boyle sentenced ERNEST TERRELL MCKOY, 31, of Dunn, NC, to 144 months imprisonment, followed by 5 years supervised release. 

MCKOY was named in a three-count Superseding Indictment filed on November 7, 2018.  On January 3, 2019, MCKOY pled guilty to Distribution of a Quantity of Methamphetamine and to Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime.

On November 6, 2017, investigators with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) utilized a confidential informant to purchase an unspecified amount of methamphetamine (meth) from MCKOY at his residence in Dunn, North Carolina.  On July 3, 2018, deputies with the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle driven by MCKOY.  A search of the vehicle resulted in the seizure of a stolen Glock 9mm semi-automatic pistol, ammunition, and a large capacity magazine in a bag behind the front passenger seat.  Investigation determined that the firearm was reported stolen in Johnston County on September 2, 2017.

On September 7, 2018, MCKOY was arrested federally for possessing a firearm on July 3, 2018.  Subsequent to his arrest, MCKOY provided a statement to investigators during which he admitted to selling 85.05 grams of crystal meth every other day for about eight or nine months.  MCKOY also admitted to purchasing 7.0875 grams of heroin six times (42.53 grams of heroin).  MCKOY stated that he possessed the firearm on July 3, 2018, because he sold narcotics.  MCKOY stated that he traded 2 grams of narcotics and $400 in U.S. currency for the firearm in approximately September 2017.  

On September 11, 2018, a search of MCKOY and his belongings prior to his initial appearance in federal court in Raleigh, resulted in the seizure of an unspecified amount of methamphetamine. 

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.   Since 2017 the United States Department of Justice has reinvigorated the PSN program and has targeted violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.

That effort has been implemented through the Take Back North Carolina Initiative of The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina.  This initiative emphasizes the regional assignment of federal prosecutors to work with law enforcement and District Attorney’s Offices on a sustained basis in those communities to reduce the violent crime rate, drug trafficking, and crimes against law enforcement.

Investigation of this case was conducted by ATF and the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office.  Assistant United States Attorney Daniel W. Smith prosecuted the case for the government.

NEW BERN – United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announced that today in federal court, United States District Judge Louise W. Flanagan sentenced KRISTEN RENE LITTLE, 24, of Angier, North Carolina to 86 months imprisonment, followed by 5 years of supervised release.

The prosecution of LITTLE was a part of an Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force Operation (OCDETF), which has focused on methamphetamine manufacturers and distributors in Wilson and Wayne counties.

LITTLE was named in a seven-count Indictment filed on February 28, 2018 charging her with conspiracy to manufacture, distribute, dispense and possess with the intent to distribute fifty (50) grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine from March 2013 until June 13, 2015; possession of equipment, chemicals, products and materials with the intent to manufacture methamphetamine; and possession of pseudoephedrine with intent to manufacture methamphetamine.  On July 25, 2018, LITTLE pled guilty to the conspiracy charge.   

According to the investigation, LITTLE was a part of a drug trafficking organization that manufactured and distributed methamphetamine in Wayne County, North Carolina.  LITTLE utilized at least five other people to purchase pseudoephedrine on her behalf.  Pseudoephedrine is one of the main ingredients utilized in the manufacturing of methamphetamine.  On June 13, 2015, officers located LITTLE in Vinton, Louisiana with syringes in the vehicle as well as a bottle in the process of manufacturing methamphetamine.  LITTLE’s manufacturing of methamphetamine created a substantial risk of harm to human life or the environment.

This case is part of the United States Attorney’s Office’s Take Back North Carolina Initiative.  This initiative emphasizes the regional assignment of federal prosecutors to work with law enforcement and District Attorney’s Offices on a sustained basis in those communities to reduce the violent crime rate, drug trafficking, and crimes against law enforcement.

Investigation of this case was conducted by the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, Wayne County Sheriff’s Office, and Vinton Police Department, Vinton, Louisiana.  Assistant United States Attorney Dena King represented the government. 

NEW BERN – United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announced that today in federal court, United States District Judge Louise W. Flanagan sentenced markell desetten wiggins, also known as “Kell,” 33, of Scotland Neck, North Carolina to 86 months imprisonment, followed by 5 years of supervised release.

WIGGINS was the last of seven members and associates of the Sex, Money, Murder (SMM) Scotland Neck-area United Blood Nation street gang to be sentenced in a drug conspiracy spanning from 2012 to June 27, 2017.  The seven members were named in a fifteen-count indictment filed on June 27, 2017 charging them with conspiracy to distribute and possession with the intent to distribute heroin; distribution and possession with the intent to distribute a quantity of heroin, and aiding and abetting; possession with the intent to distribute a quantity of heroin; distribution of a quantity of heroin; and felon in possession of a firearm.

WIGGINS was charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute one hundred grams or more of heroin and pled guilty to such charge on February 13, 2018.  WIGGINS received sentencing enhancements as a leader in the conspiracy and for obstruction of justice by using someone under the age of 18 years old to assist in avoiding detection or apprehension. 

BO’NEKA SARELL McDANIEL, 29, of Scotland Neck, North Carolina, was charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute one hundred grams or more of heroin.  McDANIEL pled guilty to that charge on October 2, 2017.  On February 21, 2018 McDANIEL was sentenced to 62 months’ imprisonment and 4 years supervised release.  McDANIEL was sentenced as a leader based upon her position in the conspiracy.

REGINALD SAVAGE, aka “Whimp,” 49, of Scotland Neck, North Carolina was charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute a quantity of heroin.  SAVAGE pled guilty to that charge on September 13, 2017.  On April 3, 2018, SAVAGE was sentenced to 14 months’ imprisonment and 3 years supervised release.

COLLIN LEE WHITAKER JR., also known as “BJ,” 25, of Greenville, North Carolina, was charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute a quantity of heroin.  WHITAKER pled guilty to that charge on September 13, 2017.  On January 11, 2018, WHITAKER was sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment and 3 years supervised release.

KEVIN DWAYNE CARSWELL, aka “K Rock,” 31, of Scotland Neck, North Carolina, was charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute a quantity of heroin.  CARSWELL pled guilty to that charge on September 13, 2017.  On May 23, 2018, CARSWELL was sentenced to 37 months’ imprisonment and 3 years supervised release.  CARSWELL received a sentencing enhancement for his possession of a firearm during the conspiracy.

DANTEE BROWN, aka “Tay,” 37, of Tarboro, North Carolina, was charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute a quantity of heroin.  BROWN pled guilty to that charge on September 13, 2017.  On January 11, 2018, BROWN was sentenced to 30 months’ imprisonment and 3 years supervised release.  BROWN received enhancements in his sentence for his possession of a firearm and use of violence during the drug conspiracy.

SHANTA VENITA HINES, 31, of Scotland Neck, North Carolina, was charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute a quantity of heroin.  HINES pled guilty to that charge on November 14, 2017.  On February 21, 2018, HINES was sentenced to 3 years probation.

According to the investigation, the seven abovementioned individuals were members and affiliates of SMM and they distributed large quantities of heroin, cocaine, crack cocaine, and marijuana in and around the Halifax County area.  The defendants were supplied heroin from sources in New Jersey.  When one of their gang leaders was arrested, the members increased their drug trafficking activities as a mechanism to raise money.   McDANIEL was not a member of the gang, but sold drugs on behalf of the gang to raise money for one of the gang’s leaders, which was her relative.  McDANIEL sold 2,700 bags of heroin.  McDANIEL’s boyfriend, SAVAGE, also assisted in the conspiracy and sold 2,650 bags of heroin.  BROWN was a high ranking gang member that admitted to robbing others of drugs. CARSWELL recruited his girlfriend, HINES, to assist in the drug conspiracy.  Law enforcement observed HINES selling drugs to a confidential informant in the presence of her young child. 

The investigation of this case was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Tar River Regional Drug Task Force, a multi-agency task force, North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement, Edgecombe County Sheriff’s Office, Halifax County Sheriff’s Office, Pinetops Police Department, Scotland Neck Police Department, Tarboro Police Department, Rocky Mount Police Department, and Nash County Sheriff’s Office.  Assistant United States Attorney Dena King represented the government.

RALEIGH – United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announced that today in federal court, United States District Judge James C. Dever III sentenced ERIC HERNANDEZ, 24, of Sampson County to 102 months’ imprisonment, followed by 4 years of supervised release.   On November 19, 2018, HERNANDEZ pled guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute 50 grams or more of Methamphetamine and 2 counts of Possession with Intent to Distribute a Quantity of Methamphetamine.

On January 7, 2015, Sampson County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a drive-by shooting at a residence in Garland North Carolina.  Law enforcement searched a residence associated with the victim and found HERNANDEZ present inside the house.  Law enforcement found a jar containing an ounce of methamphetamine in an air vent and a handgun near the back door.  HERNANDEZ’S fingerprints were on the jar.

On February 15, 2018, a Sampson County Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop on a car being driven by HERNANDEZ.  The deputy searched the car after he smelled an odor of marijuana.  A search of the trunk uncovered more than an ounce of methamphetamine.  Law enforcement conducted a search of HERNANDEZ’S residence in Sampson County.  An ounce of methamphetamine was found in a shed and more than $3,500 was located in HERNANDEZ’S bedroom.   HERNANDEZ was on supervised release by the state for Discharging a Weapon into an Occupied Property and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon at the time of this arrest.

This case is part of an extensive investigation by a DEA led Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) operation  named “Fall of the House of Usher”. The investigation is focused on the importation and distribution of methamphetamine from outside North Carolina to New Hanover, Duplin, and Sampson Counties.

This case is also part of the Take Back North Carolina Initiative of The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina.  This initiative emphasizes the regional assignment of federal prosecutors to work with law enforcement and District Attorney’s Offices on a sustained basis in those communities to reduce the violent crime rate, drug trafficking, and crimes against law enforcement.

The investigation of this case was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigations, the State Bureau of Investigations and the Duplin, New Hanover and Sampson County Sheriff’s Offices.  Assistant United States Attorney Timothy Severo prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.

RALEIGH – The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Robert J. Higdon, Jr., announced that today, United States District Judge James C. Dever, III sentenced DARRICK LAMORRIS MCKENZIE, 39, of Lumberton, to 379 months imprisonment followed by 5 years of supervised release and ordered to pay $9,500.00 in restitution. 

MCKENZIE was named in an eight-count Indictment filed on March 28, 2018.  On November 19, 2018, MCKENZIE pled guilty to two-counts of Carjacking and two-counts of Brandishing a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence.

On March 14, 2017, MCKENZIE robbed MSI (Packer Sanitation) located at 1312-B East 5th Street in Lumberton.  Specifically, MCKENZIE entered MSI and approached the victim employee, who was seated at her desk. MCKENZIE pulled out a gun and pointed it at her stating, “Give me all you got.”  The victim employee told him she did not have any money, but she gave him her debit card and car keys. MCKENZIE then stole two laptop computers and two televisions from the business, and ordered the victim employee to lay down on the floor in front of the window with her hands behind her head, stating that he can see her if she moves.  The victim employee stated MCKENZIE then went outside and placed the stolen items in her vehicle.  MCKENZIE then returned to the business, locked the door behind him, and brutally raped her, while putting her into a choke hold.  Further investigation revealed that MCKENZIE used the victim’s debit card by withdrawing $300 from her bank account shortly after fleeing from MSI.

On March 16, 2017, another victim, who transports individual to and from work, was inside his vehicle located at 2702 Martin Luther King Drive in Lumberton.  The victim stated he was taking a brief nap inside the vehicle, when he was awakened by MCKENZIE knocking on his driver’s side window.  The victim stated that when he lowered the window MCKENZIE pointed a firearm at him stating, “Give me everything you got, and I mean every damn thing you got.”  MCKENZIE also threatened to kill the victim numerous times.  The victim stated MCKENZIE then reached inside the vehicle and pulled him out and stole his wallet.  As MCKENZIE was getting into the stolen vehicle, the victim’s friend saw MCKENZIE and yelled at him.  The victim stated MCKENZIE was trying to drive away but the tires were spinning.  MCKENZIE then fired the gun from inside the vehicle hitting the windshield behind the rearview mirror.  

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.   Since 2017 the United States Department of Justice has reinvigorated the PSN program and has targeted violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.

That effort has been implemented through the Take Back North Carolina Initiative of The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina.  This initiative emphasizes the regional assignment of federal prosecutors to work with law enforcement and District Attorney’s Offices on a sustained basis in those communities to reduce the violent crime rate, drug trafficking, and crimes against law enforcement.

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF), Lumberton Police Department, Fayetteville Police Department, and the Raleigh Police Department.  Assistant United States Attorney James Kurosad prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States. 

RALEIGH – The Department of Justice announced that it filed a complaint today in federal court against the Warren County, North Carolina, Board of Education (Warren County), to protect rights guaranteed to an Army Reservist, Command Sergeant Major Dwayne Coffer (CSM Coffer), by the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994 (USERRA).  The announcement was made by Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband of the Civil Rights Division and U.S. Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. of the Eastern District of North Carolina.

CSM Coffer’s job as Dean of Students at Warren County Middle School was eliminated while he was on active duty.  According to the lawsuit, Warren County violated USERRA by demoting him to Physical Education Teacher at Northside Elementary School instead of reemploying him in job that is comparable to Dean of Students.    

“The freedoms we enjoy as Americans are dependent on the selfless duties performed by members of our Armed Forces,” said Dreiband.  “When our Country calls servicemembers to duty, its laws, enforced by the Department of Justice, protect their civilian jobs.”

Higdon explained, “The Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act protects the brave men and women who serve our Country, and the Department of Justice is committed to enforcing USERRA when it is violated.  Members of the Army Reserve, like Sergeant Major Dwayne Coffer, are often called away from their civilian jobs in order to provide the security upon which our nation depends.  They should not have to fear losing their jobs when they answer that call.” 

The Complaint seeks to reinstate CSM Coffer into a proper reemployment position and recover CSM Coffer’s lost wages and other benefits and other remedies.  In 2012, the United States Department of Justice sued Warren County when it failed to renew the employment contract of CSM Coffer following a different period of military service.

USERRA protects the rights of uniformed servicemembers to retain their civilian employment following absences due to military service obligations, and provides that servicemembers shall not be discriminated against because of their military obligations.  The Justice Department gives high priority to the enforcement of servicemembers’ rights under USERRA.  Additional information about USERRA can be found on the Justice Department’s websites at www.justice.gov/crt-military/employment-rights-userra and www.justice.gov/servicemembers as well as on the Department of Labor’s (DOL) website at www.dol.gov/vets/programs/userra and and www.justice.gov/servicemembers as well as on the Department of Labor's (DOL) website at www.dol.gov/vets/programs/userra.

This case stems from a referral by the U.S. Department of Labor, at CMS Coffer’s request, after an investigation by the DOL’s Veterans’ Employment and Training Service.  The case is being handled by Deborah Birnbaum in the Employment Litigation Section of the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike James in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina.

GREENVILLE – United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announced that today in federal court, Senior United States District Judge Malcolm J. Howard sentenced ANTHONY DEFORREST TYREE, 35, of Rocky Mount, North Carolina to 24 months imprisonment, followed by 6 years of supervised release.

TYREE was named in a five-count Indictment filed on May 8, 2018 charging him with distribution of a quantity of heroin, and aiding and abetting; three counts of distribution of a quantity of heroin; and possession with intent to distribute a quantity of heroin.  On January 7, 2019, TYREE pled guilty to the distribution of a quantity of heroin.   

According to the investigation, the Nash County Sheriff’s Office utilized a confidential informant to make several buys of heroin from TYREE in Rocky Mount.  On March 28, 2018, TYREE possessed 28 individual bags of a mixture of heroin and fentanyl. 

At the time of the offense, TYREE was on supervised release resulting from a 2017 federal conviction for conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute a quantity of heroin.  After TYREE admitted to the criminal activity, his term of supervised release was revoked and he was sentenced to an additional 12 months’ imprisonment to be served at the conclusion of his sentence for distribution of heroin.

This case is part of the United States Attorney’s Office’s Take Back North Carolina Initiative.  This initiative emphasizes the regional assignment of federal prosecutors to work with law enforcement and District Attorney’s Offices on a sustained basis in those communities to reduce the violent crime rate, drug trafficking, and crimes against law enforcement.

Investigation of this case was conducted by the Nash County Sheriff’s Office, North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, and United States Probation Office.  Assistant United States Attorney Dena King represented the government. 

NEW BERN – The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Robert J. Higdon, Jr., announced that today in federal court, United States District Judge Louise W. Flanagan sentenced GUSTAVO ADOLFO RAMOS LEMUS, 32, of Cary, North Carolina, to 70 months in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release.

On December 11, 2018, LEMUS pled guilty to Possession with the Intent to Distribute a Quantity of Cocaine and to Using, Carrying, and Possessing a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Offense.

The investigation revealed that on January 20, 2015, a confidential informant (CI) working with the Cary Police Department (CPD) contacted LEMUS and attempted to arrange for the purchase of 2 ounces of cocaine.  On January 21, 2015, the CI called LEMUS again and arranged for the purchase of the 2 ounces of cocaine in exchange for $1,900, to occur in a parking lot in Cary.  Approximately 30 minutes later, LEMUS arrived at the parking lot and entered the front passenger seat of the CI’s vehicle.  The CPD’S Emergency Response Team moved in, and LEMUS tossed a stolen .40 caliber Taurus handgun into the middle row of seats. He was taken into custody without incident.  A search of LEMUS’s person revealed a quantity of cocaine in his jacket pocket.  A search warrant was executed at LEMUS’ residence on Niles Street in Cary where investigators discovered digital scales, an additional quantity of cocaine, and $2,000 in U.S. currency.

This case was brought using the Take Back North Carolina Initiative of The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina.  This initiative emphasizes the regional assignment of federal prosecutors to work with law enforcement and District Attorney’s Offices on a sustained basis in those communities to reduce the violent crime rate, drug trafficking, and crimes against law enforcement.

Investigation of this case was conducted by the Cary Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Scott A. Lemmon.

RALEIGH – In observance of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, April 7-13, 2019, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina will host a National Crime Victims’ Rights Week Ceremony on Tuesday, April 9, 2019 at 1:00 p.m. in the auditorium of the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources’ Archives and History/State Library Building, located at 109 East Jones Street, Raleigh, North Carolina 27601.  This event is open to the public.  For more information, please visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ednc/crime-victims-rights-week-2019.

This year’s event will feature a gripping presentation by victims of federal crimes impacted by the opioid epidemic.  The keynote speakers, Ms. Jennifer Powell and Ms. Laura Parrish, were each compelled to speak out about opioid abuse and the opioid/heroin epidemic after losing a family member to a drug overdose.  Ms. Powell lost her youngest sister on July 1, 2015, to a drug overdose.  Ms. Parrish’s son Nick struggled with opiate addiction and died of a fentanyl overdose in April 2016.  Both speakers are members of the United States Attorney’s Heroin Education Action Team in the Eastern District of Kentucky. 

The shared mission of United States Attorneys’ Heroin Education Action Teams (HEAT), here in Eastern North Carolina, in Kentucky, and across the country, is to reduce the growing harm to families and communities caused by heroin/opiate abuse by increasing understanding of this epidemic.  HEAT is a partnership between United States Attorneys’ Offices and families who have lost a loved one to opiate overdose.  These courageous moms, dads, brothers, sisters and children share their story in order to help others avoid the grief of losing a family member from this dangerous epidemic. 

“Victims of crime deserve justice.  This Department works every day to help them recover and to find, prosecute, and convict those who have done them harm,” said Attorney General William P. Barr.  “During this National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, we pause to remember the millions of Americans who have been victims of crime and we thank public servants who have served them in especially heroic ways.  This week the men and women of the Department recommit ourselves once again to ensuring that crime victims continue to have a voice in our legal system, to securing justice for them, and to preventing other Americans from suffering what they have endured.”

United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Robert J. Higdon, Jr., stated, “The harms caused to our communities by the opioid epidemic are devastating, far-reaching, and in many cases irreversible.  Through the United States Attorney’s Heroin Education Action Team (HEAT), we are committed to educating our communities about heroin/opiate abuse.  This is a crisis for which prevention vastly expands the reach of the net already cast by prosecuting those who distribute opioids and demonstrate a reckless disregard for human life and the safety of our communities.  As we commemorate National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, a mother’s heartfelt message to me was ‘The most important words anyone can say to me, is calling my son’s name, and remembering him’ signifying the importance of the week.  During the ceremony this coming Tuesday, victim advocates, law enforcement, allied professionals, and the community will stand together to remember and honor all victims of crime.”

Each year in April, the Department of Justice and U.S. Attorneys’ Offices observe National Crime Victims’ Rights Week nationwide by taking time to honor victims of crime and those who advocate on their behalf.  In addition, the Justice Department and U.S. Attorneys’ Offices organize events to honor the victims and advocates, as well as bring awareness to services available to victims of crime.  This year’s observance takes place April 7-13, with the theme: Honoring Our Past. Creating Hope for the Future.  This year’s theme encourages commemoration, honor, and respect toward the crime victim advocates, allied professionals, and selfless volunteers who have courageously worked for increased rights for crime victims.  The theme also invites us to look toward a future of inclusive, accessible, and innovative resources and services for survivors.

The U.S. Department of Justice will host the Office for Victims of Crime’s annual National Crime Victims’ Service Awards Ceremony in Washington, D.C. on April 12, 2019, to honor outstanding individuals and programs that serve victims of crime.

The Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime, within the Office of Justice Programs, leads communities across the country in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week each year.  President Ronald Reagan proclaimed the first National Crime Victims’ Rights Week in 1981 to bring greater sensitivity to the needs and rights of victims of crime.

The Office of Justice Programs provides innovative leadership to federal, state, local, and tribal justice systems, by disseminating state-of-the art knowledge and practices across America, and providing grants for the implementation of these crime-fighting strategies.  Because most of the responsibility for crime control and prevention falls to law enforcement officers in states, cities, and neighborhoods, the federal government can be effective in these areas only to the extent that it can enter into partnerships with these officers.  More information about the Office of Justice Programs and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.  More information about Crime Victim’s Rights Week can be found at https://ovc.ncjrs.gov/ncvrw/.  You may also contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina’s Victim Witness Program at (919) 856-4530.

This year’s program in Raleigh is sponsored by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina, members of the Interagency Council, the City of Durham Police Department, Raleigh Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation, H.A.L.O.S., North Carolina Attorney General’s Office, North Carolina Department of Public Safety, North Carolina National Guard, North Carolina Victim Assistance Network, and the United States Postal Inspection Service.

RALEIGH – United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announced that MOSES WHITAKER has been charged with Aiding and Assisting in the Preparation of a False Income Tax Return.  For the tax years 2010 through 2018, the Criminal Information alleges that WHITAKER transmitted or caused to be transmitted approximately 3,384 U.S. Individual Income Tax Returns.  The Criminal Information further alleges  that WHITAKER and others prepared and caused to be transmitted U.S. Individual Income Tax Returns, which contained false information, including false dependents, inflated witholdings, education credits, and unreimbursed business expenses, resulting in the issuance of refunds to which the taxpayers were not entitled.

WHITAKER is scheduled to appear in the New Bern federal courthouse on May 14, 2019, to enter his plea.  The maximum penalty he faces is three years’ imprisonment and a $100,000 fine.      

Investigation of this case was conducted by the Internal Revenue Service. 

RALEIGH – Robert J. Higdon, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, announces that a federal grand jury in Raleigh has returned an indictment charging ALEJANDRO AVILEZ-PEREZ, age 41, of Mexico, with Conspiracy to Distribute more than 50 grams of Methamphetamine, Possession with Intent to Distribute more than 50 grams of Methamphetamine, and Illegal Reentry of a Deported Alien.

If convicted of each drug count, AVILEZ-PEREZ, having been previously convicted of a serious drug felony (Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine) would face a minimum of 15 years imprisonment and a maximum penalty of life imprisonment, a $20,000,000 fine, and a term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.

If convicted of illegal reentry subsequent to an aggravated felony conviction, AVILEZ-PEREZ, previously convicted of Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine and Illegal Reentry of a Deported Alien, would face maximum penalties of 20 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and a term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.

The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations.  The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. 

The case is being investigated by DEA, ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations and Homeland Security Investigations, State Bureau of Investigation, and the Nash County Sheriff’s Office.

WILMINGTON – United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announced the conclusion of OCDETF Operation “Tooth Fairy”.  An Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) is a joint federal, state, and local cooperative approach to combatting drug trafficking and is the nation’s primary tool for disrupting and dismantling major drug trafficking organizations, targeting national and regional level drug trafficking organizations, and coordinating the necessary law enforcement entities and resources to disrupt or dismantle the targeted criminal organization and seize their assets.

The defendants’ convictions and sentencings were the culmination of a multi-year and multi-agency investigation into a heroin/fentanyl trafficking ring operating primarily around Wilmington, North Carolina and the surrounding counties.

On September 19, 2016, in a joint investigation between the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) Safe Streets Task Force (Gang Unit) and the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office Vice Division, law enforcement arranged an undercover purchase of heroin from DEANDRE SWEET.  When DEANDRE SWEET arrived in a parking lot in Wilmington to complete the sale, law enforcement stopped his rental car and found 500 bags of heroin.  DEANDRE SWEET was then arrested.

In the same joint investigation, between June and October 2017, law enforcement conducted several undercover purchases of heroin from KYERIC SWEET and DIQUELLE SWEET.  The investigation revealed that ANDREW LIGE was a source of supply for the Sweets.  On October 12, 2017, law enforcement arrested KYERIC SWEET in possession of a quantity of heroin and more than $2,500.  On October 10, 2017, DIQUELLE SWEET was a passenger in a vehicle that attempted to flee from the Elizabethtown Police following a traffic checking station.  Officers stopped the vehicle and found SWEET seated on a loaded Taurus 9mm handgun with a bullet in the chamber.  The driver was prosecuted by the Bladen County District Attorney’s Office for an additional firearm.

On July 26, 2016, TEREK HARPER was stopped in Sampson County for a traffic violation and found to be in possession of a large quantity of heroin.  HARPER was travelling to Wilmington to distribute the heroin.  HARPER is currently awaiting sentencing in North Carolina State Court on this charge.

On July 26, 2016, Duplin County Sheriff’s Deputies and the North Carolina Highway Patrol attempted to stop a car driven ANDREW JEROME LIGE.  LIGE led law enforcement on a lengthy chase through Duplin County – reaching speeds in excess of 115 miles per hour.  During the chase, KEVIN SIMPKINS, the passenger in the car, threw out a bag containing more than 9,800 bags of heroin (more than 130 grams).  A trooper was finally able to immobilize the car.  During the investigation, it was determined that LIGE had been making trips to New Jersey to acquire heroin for distribution in Eastern North Carolina.

On November 26, 2017, LIGE was the victim of a home invasion robbery.  LIGE was shot and found in close proximity to a handgun.  At the time of the robbery, LIGE, a convicted felon, was prohibited from possessing handgun.

On November 30, 2017, New Hanover County Sheriff’s Detectives searched SHAWQI GRAY’s residence and a trailer on the property.  Law enforcement found the following items: more than 130 grams of a heroin/fentanyl mixture, more than 150 grams of a mixture of heroin and ketamine, 90 grams of heroin, 5 loaded handguns (2 of which were stolen) and more than $47,000 in cash.  The investigation uncovered that GRAY had been involved in the distribution of more than a kilogram and half of heroin and fentanyl from 2017 until the time of his arrest.  At the time of his arrest in November 2017, GRAY was a fugitive from Pennsylvania.  On August 4, 2016, the Easton Police Department in Pennsylvania had searched GRAY’s Pennsylvania residence.  GRAY was not present for the search, during which law enforcement found 20 grams of heroin, 68 grams of crack cocaine, and more than $19,000 in cash.

On February 26, 2018, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Wilmington Police Department received information that LIGE was transporting a load of heroin to the Wilmington area.  As a result, law enforcement stopped LIGE’s BMW in which TONY SIMS was driving and LIGE was a passenger.  In the car, law enforcement found 5,000 bags of heroin (approximately 100 grams). 

On April 5, 2018, the United States Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force and the Wilmington Police Department arrested TEREK HARPER at a motel in Wilmington.  HARPER was found in possession of more than 3,400 bags of heroin (approximately 68 grams of heroin) and more than 9,000 in cash.

The defendants include:

• SHAWQI GRAY, 37, of Wilmington, NC.  GRAY was sentenced to 204 months’ imprisonment in February 2019. GRAY pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute one hundred (100) grams or more of heroin and a quantity of fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute one hundred (100) grams and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense.
• ANDREW JEROME LIGE, also known as “Shotgun,” 40, of Wilmington, NC.  LIGE was sentenced to 132 months’ imprisonment on January 9, 2019.  LIGE pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute one hundred (100) grams or more of heroin and possess with the intent to distribute one hundred (100) grams or more of heroin. 
• KEVIN SIMPKINS, 50, of Wilmington, NC.  SIMPKINS was sentenced to 132 months’ imprisonment.  SIMPKINS pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute one hundred (100) grams or more of heroin and possess with the intent to distribute one hundred (100) grams or more of heroin.
• DEANDRE SWEET, 27, of Wilmington, NC.  SWEET was sentenced to 105 months’ imprisonment in October 2018.  SWEET pled guilty to  conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a quantity of heroin and possess with intent to distribute a quantity of heroin.
• DIQUELLE SWEET, 22, of Wilmington NC, SWEET was sentenced to 105 months imprisonment in September 2018.  SWEET pled guilty to 5  counts of distribution of a quantity of heroin and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
• KYERIC SWEET, 25, of Wilmington, NC.  SWEET was sentenced to 90 months’ imprisonment on October 2018.  SWEET pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute a quantity of heroin.
• TEREK HARPER, also known as “Reek,” 34, of New Jersey.  HARPER pled guilty to conspiring to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute a 100 grams or more of heroin and possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin.  HARPER was sentenced to 87 months’ imprisonment on April 1, 2019.  HARPER is awaiting sentencing in North Carolina State Court and faces a mandatory minimum active sentence to be served following the expiration of his federal sentence.
• TONY SIMS, 52, of Wilmington, NC.  SIMS was sentenced to 48 months’ imprisonment on January 25, 2019. SIMS pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute a quantity of heroin and possession with the intent to distribute a quantity of heroin

The investigation of this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Safe Streets and Coastal Carolina Criminal Enterprise Task Forces;  Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; United States Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force; Wilmington Police Department (Gang Unit); Elizabethtown Police Department; Duplin County Sheriff’s Office; New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office; Sampson County Sheriff’s Office; and, North Carolina Highway Patrol.  Assistant United States Attorney Timothy Severo prosecuted these cases on behalf of the government. 

RALEIGH – United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announced that on April 3, 2019, in federal court, United States District Judge James C. Dever III sentenced aNDREW DAVID PHILLIPS, 28, of Franklinton, North Carolina to 210  months imprisonment, followed by 10 years of supervised release.

PHILLIPS was named in a Criminal Information filed on February 13, 2018 charging him with Distribution of Child Pornography.  On March 20, 2018, PHILLIPS pled guilty to that charge. 

Based on the investigation, PHILLIPS used a computer to store at least 2,210 images of child pornography.  In addition, PHILLIPS traded many of the images and videos with other individuals, in exchange for pornographic images of children.

Investigation of this case was conducted by the Raleigh Police Department, as well as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).  Assistant United States Attorney Donald R. Pender represented the government.