Da Lee, Methamphetamine Trafficking, North Carolina 2020

A federal jury in Statesville has convicted Da Lee, 37, of Lawrenceville, Georgia, of trafficking methamphetamine and marijuana in Western North Carolina.

According to trial evidence, Lee and his co-defendant, Paul Mark James, 52, of Hickory, North Carolina, conspired to distribute methamphetamine in and around Catawba County from 2018 to July 2020.

Court records show that law enforcement investigating James’s drug distribution activities in Hickory determined that James frequently traveled out of state to purchase methamphetamine from his supplier in Georgia, later identified as Lee.

According to trial evidence, in July 2020, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Lee’s Georgia residence, from which they seized a firearm, four pounds of marijuana, and more than $7,900 in cash.

Lee was convicted of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute marijuana and 50 grams or more methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute marijuana, and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.

James has pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute marijuana and 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, two counts of distribution of methamphetamine, and possession with intent to distribute marijuana and methamphetamine.

Both Lee and James are awaiting sentencing.

U.S. Attorney Dena J. King commended the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office for their investigation of the case.

Assistant United States Attorneys Chris Hess and Taylor Stout are prosecuting the case.

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