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 Raleigh man, Cawajalin Kavin McNeil, has been convicted by a federal jury on charges of possession of a firearm by a felon. The conviction could lead to a sentence of up to 15 years in prison when McNeil is sentenced later this year.
Court records and trial evidence revealed that on March 16, 2024, an eyewitness observed McNeil in an altercation with a young woman. When the eyewitness attempted to intervene, McNeil allegedly pointed a 9mm pistol at him. The witness retreated to his vehicle and called 911 from near North Carolina State University. He provided authorities with the description of McNeil's black car, nearly complete license plate number, and physical description.
Raleigh Police Department officers responded and located McNeil in a vehicle matching the description given by the eyewitness. The license plate closely matched the one reported to 911, and McNeil matched the suspect's description. A search revealed a 9mm pistol between the front passenger seat and center console resembling the gun described by the caller. Consequently, McNeil was arrested for lacking a conceal-carry permit.
During processing at Wake County Detention Center, officers discovered a razor blade in McNeil’s shoe and found another object near his groin. A further search uncovered a second 9mm pistol hidden in his underwear. Investigations confirmed that McNeil was previously convicted of conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act Robbery and using and carrying a firearm during a federal crime of violence. He had served 180 months in prison before being released in November 2023 on supervised release when this incident took place.
Daniel P. Bubar, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina announced the verdict after it was accepted by U.S. District Judge Terrence W. Boyle. The Raleigh Police Department and Bureau of Alcohol, Firearms, Tobacco and Explosives are investigating the case while Assistant U.S. Attorney Logan Liles is prosecuting it.
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 PACER under Case No.5:24-cr-00271.
