Gang member receives prison sentence for firearm and drug offenses

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Michael F. Easley, Jr., U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina

Gang member receives prison sentence for firearm and drug offenses

An Ahoskie gang member has been sentenced to 100 months in prison and five years of supervised release following a guilty plea on charges related to firearm and drug trafficking. Rodney Lamont Evans, also known as "Woo," was sentenced after authorities discovered drugs and a firearm at his residence.

Hertford County Sheriff Dexter Hayes commented on the outcome, stating, "This case is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our local, state, and federal partners. Their relentless efforts to investigate, prosecute, and bring to justice those who threaten the safety of our citizens reflect our shared commitment to a safer community."

Court documents revealed that authorities received information on August 8, 2022, indicating that Evans was distributing narcotics from his home on McGlohon Street. Law enforcement executed a search warrant on that date. Evans attempted to evade capture by fleeing through a window and hiding on the roof but was apprehended shortly thereafter. Inside his home, officials found nearly 360 grams of cocaine, over 5 grams of crack cocaine, more than 1,700 grams of marijuana, along with a firearm and ammunition. Additional evidence included multiple digital scales and drug packaging materials.

Further investigation uncovered that Evans had previously engaged in selling homemade machinegun conversion devices with another Bloods gang member. His criminal history includes convictions for indecent liberties with a child and multiple charges related to possession with intent to sell cocaine in North Carolina.

U.S. Attorney Michael F. Easley Jr., representing the Eastern District of North Carolina, announced the sentencing delivered by U.S. District Judge Terrence W. Boyle. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), along with the Down East Drug and Violent Crime Task Force and Hertford County Sheriff’s Office conducted investigations into this case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lori Warlick and Sarah Nokes were responsible for prosecuting.