Daniel P. Bubar Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina | U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina
A Youngsville man has been sentenced to 19 years in prison for armed drug trafficking involving cocaine, fentanyl, and marijuana. Samuel McCoy Oakley, Jr., 47, pleaded guilty on June 10, 2024, to charges including conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute significant quantities of these drugs and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Court documents revealed that the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), along with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, began investigating a drug-trafficking organization operating in the Eastern District of North Carolina in September 2022. The investigation utilized digital and physical surveillance, cooperating sources, and wire intercepts to uncover Oakley's involvement in distributing narcotics sourced from New York and New Jersey.
During the investigation, law enforcement observed unidentified individuals visiting Oakley’s residence briefly before leaving with bags. Vehicles stopped after departing were found carrying marijuana and cash. Wiretap interceptions captured Oakley discussing cocaine and fentanyl sales with co-conspirators. In one notable instance in May 2023, Oakley discussed purchasing fentanyl branded as “knowledge.” A courier associated with Oakley was later found transporting over five kilograms of cocaine and 600 grams of fentanyl stamped with “Knowledge.”
On July 19, 2023, authorities executed a search warrant at Oakley's home seizing more than two kilograms of cocaine hidden in attic insulation. Additionally, they recovered two handguns—one loaded—a semiautomatic rifle, ammunition rounds, and over $35,000 in cash.
The investigation determined that between July 2022 and July 2023, Oakley was responsible for distributing over 168 kilograms of cocaine, more than seven kilograms of fentanyl, and approximately four kilograms of marijuana.
This case was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) initiative aimed at dismantling high-level drug traffickers through coordinated efforts among multiple law enforcement agencies.
Daniel P. Bubar, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina announced the sentencing by U.S. District Judge Terrence W. Boyle. The DEA led the investigation alongside the Henderson Police Department, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, and State Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Casey L. Peaden prosecuted the case.
Further details can be accessed through related court documents available on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or via PACER under Case No. 5:23-cr-00247-BO-RN.
