Defendant Darrick Lamorris McKenzie, 39, of Lumberton, Sentenced to 31 Years in Prison for Carjacking and Firearm Offenses

In a shocking display of violence, Darrick Lamorris McKenzie, 39, of Lumberton, North Carolina, was sentenced to 31 years in prison for his role in a carjacking and firearm offenses. The sentencing was handed down by United States District Judge James C. Dever, III.

On March 14, 2017, McKenzie robbed MSI (Packer Sanitation) located at 1312-B East 5th Street in Lumberton. The victim employee, who was seated at her desk, was approached by McKenzie, who pulled out a gun and pointed it at her. McKenzie then stole two laptop computers and two televisions from the business and ordered the victim to lay down on the floor in front of the window with her hands behind her head.

Further investigation revealed that McKenzie used the victim’s debit card to withdraw $300 from her bank account shortly after fleeing from MSI. On March 16, 2017, another victim, who transports individuals to and from work, was targeted by McKenzie. The victim was taking a brief nap inside his vehicle when McKenzie knocked on his driver’s side window and pointed a firearm at him.

The victim stated that McKenzie threatened to kill him numerous times and then reached inside the vehicle and pulled him out, stealing his wallet. As McKenzie was getting into the stolen vehicle, the victim’s friend saw him and yelled. McKenzie then fired the gun from inside the vehicle, hitting the windshield behind the rearview mirror.

The case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program aimed at reducing violent crime and making neighborhoods safer. The Take Back North Carolina Initiative, implemented by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina, emphasizes the regional assignment of federal prosecutors to work with law enforcement and District Attorney’s Offices on a sustained basis in those communities to reduce the violent crime rate.

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF), Lumberton Police Department, Fayetteville Police Department, and the Raleigh Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney James Kurosad prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States. McKenzie was sentenced to 379 months imprisonment followed by 5 years of supervised release and ordered to pay $9,500 in restitution.

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