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 federal jury in New Bern, North Carolina, has convicted Charles Gregory of Elizabeth City on charges related to drug trafficking and firearm possession. The verdict was delivered on Tuesday, finding Gregory guilty of possessing crack cocaine with the intent to distribute, possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
The case stems from an incident on August 7, 2022, when Gregory was stopped for a traffic violation. During the stop, an officer observed him discard an item out of his car window. This item was later identified as a bag containing multiple smaller baggies of crack cocaine. A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed a stolen pistol in the glovebox. Recorded jail phone calls included statements by Gregory about the drugs and gun.
Gregory's criminal history includes multiple prior felony drug convictions for offenses such as possession of cocaine and selling or delivering a Schedule II controlled substance. He now faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years imprisonment with the possibility of life imprisonment upon sentencing at a future date.
Daniel P. Bubar, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, announced the conviction following its acceptance by U.S. District Judge Louise W. Flanagan. The investigation involved collaboration between several law enforcement agencies including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Elizabeth City Police Department, Sampson County Sheriff’s Office, and Pasquotank County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Phil Aubart and Jermaine Sellers prosecuted the case.
For more information on related court documents and details about this case can be accessed through the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or via PACER under Case No. 2:23-CR-14.
