U.S. Attorney Michael F. Easley, Jr. | U.S. Department of Justice
A Whiteville man, Robert Jamar Avant, has been sentenced to 71 months in prison for possessing a firearm as a felon. Avant pleaded guilty to the charges on October 17, 2024. The sentencing follows an incident on May 13, 2021, where Avant and his co-defendant, Dashaud Maultsby, engaged in a shootout at the Sandy Ridge Apartment Complex in Whiteville.
"This reckless shootout, adjacent to t-ball fields where hundreds of kids and parents were playing, left a pregnant woman shot and enduring an emergency c-section to save her baby. It is a miracle the baby survived, and the Whiteville Police Department deserves credit for their swift action on this case," stated U.S. Attorney Michael F. Easley, Jr. He added that firm partnerships with local law enforcement have been established throughout Eastern North Carolina to combat violence that endangers communities.
Court records reveal that the altercation began when Maultsby argued with his girlfriend at the apartment complex. After leaving and returning with Avant, they fired AR-15 rifles at another group of men who returned fire. During the retreat to their vehicle, Maultsby's rifle accidentally discharged and injured Avant.
The Whiteville Police Department responded promptly and found Avant injured in his vehicle with firearms nearby. As a convicted felon, he was prohibited from possessing firearms. A pregnant woman was also injured during the incident and required an emergency cesarean section.
Maultsby received a 10-year sentence on June 6, 2024. His criminal history includes attempted trafficking of opium.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which aims to reduce violent crime through collaboration between law enforcement agencies and communities. The initiative emphasizes trust-building within communities and strategic enforcement priorities.
Michael F. Easley Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina announced the sentencing by U.S. District Judge Louise W. Flanagan. The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Whiteville Police Department with Assistant U.S. Attorney Jaren E. Kelly prosecuting.