Raleigh, North Carolina – In a major blow to the city’s illicit drug trade, Eduardo Romero Martinez, 39, of Rocky Point, North Carolina, was sentenced to 60 months’ imprisonment followed by 3 years of supervised release for his role in distributing and possessing cocaine, according to a recent announcement by the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Robert J. Higdon, Jr.
On January 31, 2018, Martinez was charged in a three-count indictment, and on August 28, 2018, he pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine. Martinez was under federal supervised release at the time of his arrest in May of 2017.
In June of 2016, deputies with the Onslow County Sheriff’s Office received information that Martinez was trafficking cocaine. Deputies then conducted multiple controlled purchases of cocaine from Martinez. From June 14 to July 27, 2016, a total of approximately 82 grams of cocaine were purchased from Martinez.
On February 14, 2017, an undercover officer conducted a controlled purchase of 55.7 grams of cocaine from Martinez for $2,700. On May 18, 2017, an undercover officer met Martinez, this time purchasing 27.2 grams of cocaine for $1,400. Later that day, deputies arrested Martinez, who was found in possession of 55 grams of cocaine. Martinez was interviewed and admitted to distributing and possessing the cocaine.
The investigation of this case was conducted by the Onslow County Sheriff’s Office, Jacksonville Police Department, New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office, and Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant United States Attorney Jake D. Pugh handled the prosecution of this case for the government.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.
Martinez’s sentencing brings an end to a lengthy and complex investigation into the distribution and possession of cocaine in the Raleigh area. The sentence serves as a reminder of the serious consequences of engaging in illicit drug trade.
The details of Martinez’s case are as follows:
Defendant: Eduardo Romero Martinez, 39, of Rocky Point, North Carolina
Criminal Charges: Possession with intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine
City and State: Raleigh, North Carolina
Exact Date: January 31, 2018 (sentencing)
Sentence or Outcome: 60 months’ imprisonment followed by 3 years of supervised release
Dollar Amounts: $2,700 (controlled purchase of cocaine on February 14, 2017) and $1,400 (controlled purchase of cocaine on May 18, 2017)
Key Facts
- State: North Carolina
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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