Sandra J. Hairston United States Attorney | U.S. Attorney's Office for the Middle District of North Carolina
A Burlington man has been sentenced to nine years in prison for drug and firearm offenses. Fredrick Dontae Slade, 50, received a sentence of 108 months imprisonment followed by three years of supervised release. The sentencing was delivered by Senior United States District Judge Loretta C. Biggs at the United States District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina.
In addition to his prison term, Slade was ordered to forfeit a Glock-type privately made pistol and 9mm ammunition. The charges stem from an incident on March 23, 2022, when Alamance County Sheriff’s Office deputies approached Slade while he was parked at a local business. Deputies noted that Slade was driving on a suspended license and had allegedly completed a suspected drug delivery.
Slade refused commands to exit his vehicle and attempted to flee by reversing his car, dragging an officer approximately 35 feet before stopping. A search of Slade and his vehicle revealed over eight grams of cocaine base and a tan polymer "ghost gun," similar in design to a Glock pistol. The weapon was loaded with thirteen rounds in a drum magazine and featured a "Glock switch," allowing it to function as an automatic firearm.
On June 5, 2024, Slade pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute cocaine base under 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(C), as well as being a felon in possession of ammunition under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2).
The case was investigated by the Alamance County Sheriff’s Office alongside the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Prosecution was handled by MDNC Assistant United States Attorney Lindsey A. Freeman and former Assistant United States Attorney Jack M. Alsup.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which aims to reduce violent crime through collaboration between law enforcement agencies and communities. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched an enhanced strategy for PSN focusing on building community trust, supporting violence prevention organizations, setting strategic enforcement priorities, and evaluating outcomes.
