A former correctional officer at Neuse Correctional Institution in Goldsboro has been sentenced to five years in prison and four years of supervised release for conspiring to distribute methamphetamine and possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute. Dawan Dontra McKinzie, 31, from Kenansville, pleaded guilty to the charges on May 7, 2025.
Acting U.S. Attorney Daniel P. Bubar stated, “This case is a reminder that when those entrusted with public safety break the law, the damage runs deep – inside our prisons and throughout our communities. We are committed to working with our law enforcement partners to hold accountable anyone who undermines that trust, especially when it involves trafficking dangerous drugs into a correctional facility.”
Leslie Dismukes, Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction, said, “Illicit drugs and contraband endanger the health, safety and security of our employees, those in our custody and the public at large. We will not hesitate to investigate and take action against anyone — including a compromised staff member — that brings illicit drugs or contraband into our facilities. I am grateful to our law enforcement partners and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina for working with us to bring Dawan McKinzie to justice.”
Court documents revealed that McKinzie began smuggling contraband into Neuse Correctional between July and October 2023 by hiding items on his person as he entered the facility. On November 14, 2023, after receiving information about his activities from federal authorities, law enforcement confronted McKinzie at his home. He admitted receiving a package from an inmate’s wife and led agents to where he stored various contraband items intended for smuggling into the prison.
Agents seized 53 grams of methamphetamine, 30 grams of psilocybin mushrooms, two grams of cocaine, seven pounds of tobacco, suboxone strips, a cellphone, and nude photographs from McKinzie’s residence. Investigators also found messages on his cellphone detailing aspects of the conspiracy.
The investigation was conducted by multiple agencies including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), North Carolina Department of Adult Correction Internal Investigations and Apprehension Division, and Duplin County Sheriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Alison Lester and Assistant U.S. Attorney Casey Peaden.
