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 New Bern man, Nathan Sheptock, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for possessing firearms illegally as a convicted felon. Sheptock, aged 24, pleaded guilty to the charge on August 22, 2024.
Court documents revealed that Sheptock, identified as a member of the Crip street gang, possessed two firearms including an AK-style 12-gauge shotgun with a 10-round magazine. The incident unfolded on August 9, 2023, when North Carolina Probation responded to a verbal altercation at Sheptock's residence on Kinston Street in New Bern. As he was on probation at the time, officers conducted a warrantless search and found narcotics in plain sight. A witness reported that firearms were present in the house. Following this information, New Bern Police obtained a search warrant and discovered firearms hidden in the backyard. DNA tests confirmed Sheptock's connection to these weapons.
Sheptock's criminal history includes multiple convictions for common law robbery related to a series of robberies targeting pizza delivery drivers in 2017.
Acting United States Attorney Daniel P. Bubar commented on the case: "When violent felons such as Mr. Sheptock possess firearms, they are committing serious federal crimes and endangering our communities." He praised the efforts of the FBI and local authorities involved in bringing Sheptock to justice.
Robert M. DeWitt, FBI Special Agent in Charge in North Carolina stated: "The FBI will not tolerate violent gang members who break the law and then disregard the restrictions they brought upon themselves as convicted felons."
This case is part of the New Bern Violent Crime Action Plan (VCAP), which involves collaboration between various agencies including the U.S. Attorney’s Office and local law enforcement bodies like New Bern Police Department and Craven County Sheriff’s Office among others.
The announcement was made by Acting U.S. Attorney Daniel P. Bubar following sentencing by U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III. The investigation was carried out by New Bern PD, FBI, and NC Probation while Assistant U.S. Attorneys Philip Aubart and Julie Childress prosecuted the case.
Further details can be accessed through court documents available online via PACER under Case No. 4:23-CR-61-D-BM.
