Keyonte Da’quan Smith, Possessing Firearms as a Felon, North Carolina 2021

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Drive-By Shooter Sentenced to 87 Months

A drive-by shooting in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, left a victim’s vehicle badly damaged, but fortunately, the victim survived. Keyonte Da’quan Smith, also known as "Smiley," has been sentenced to 87 months in prison for his role in the crime.

On March 3, 2021, Smith, 27, of Rocky Mount, entered a guilty plea for possessing multiple firearms despite being a previously convicted felon. This is a serious offense, and the sentence reflects the severity of the crime.

According to court documents, Smith and an unidentified accomplice were observed operating a sedan and shooting multiple rounds of ammunition into another vehicle while in traffic. The victim’s vehicle sustained significant damage, including a side door, front panel, and windshield that were all hit by gunfire.

Police found at least eight .45 caliber shell casings at the crime scene and tracked Smith to a nearby apartment. There, they discovered 2 ski masks, two loaded .45 caliber handguns, including one that had been reported stolen, a loaded .40 caliber handgun, a large-capacity magazine, and multiple rounds of ammunition.

The investigation was a joint effort between the Rocky Mount Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aakash Singh prosecuted the case.

Chief U.S. District Judge Richard E. Myers II presided over the sentencing. The sentence of 87 months is a significant one, reflecting the severity of the crime and Smith’s previous conviction as a felon.

The case is a reminder of the importance of keeping our communities safe from gun violence. We are grateful that the victim in this case survived and that the perpetrators are being held accountable.

For more information on the case, visit the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina website or PACER, and search for Case No. 5:20-CR-458-M.