Robert Joseph Westrup, 43, of Craven County, N.C., faced a federal court today with the chilling reality of his actions on October 1, 2021. The judge handed down the statutory maximum sentence of 120 months in prison for Westrup’s role in the shooting of a Craven County Sheriff’s deputy, which left the officer paralyzed from the waist down.
This devastating incident was marked by Westrup’s defiant resistance to the law as he opened fire on officers attempting to serve legal papers. The bravery of fellow deputies and a heroic neighbor averted what could have been a far more tragic outcome.
U.S. Attorney Michael Easley emphasized the importance of this sentence, stating it reflects the nation’s unwavering commitment to protecting those who protect us. ‘Those who seek to harm the brave men and women in law enforcement will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,’ said Easley.
Craven County Sheriff Chip Hughes praised the quick thinking of his deputies and expressed solidarity with the injured officer. ‘While nothing can undo the harm caused by this defendant, this sentence serves as a stark reminder that crimes against law enforcement will not go unpunished,’ he said.
Westrup’s prior criminal record includes convictions for possession of pseudoephedrine with intent to manufacture methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. His first conviction landed him in the Bureau of Prisons in 2005, but today’s sentence is a testament to the consequences faced by those who continue to ignore the law.
The investigation was led by the Craven County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Phil Aubart prosecuting the case. For more information on this case, visit the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or PACER using Case No. 4:23-CR-1-FL.
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Key Facts
- State: North Carolina
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime|Weapons
- Source: Official Source ↗
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