Equan Cornelius Dunston, Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine Base, North Carolina 2018

Raleigh, North Carolina – In a shocking turn of events, a Spring Hope man has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term for his involvement in a massive cocaine operation.

EQUAN CORNELIUS DUNSTON, 26, was named in a Criminal Information filed on January 10, 2018, charging him with conspiracy to distribute twenty-eight grams or more of cocaine base (crack) between June 20, 2017, and August 17, 2017.

According to the investigation, beginning in June 2017, deputies with the Nash County Sheriff’s Office began investigating the narcotics distribution activity of DUNSTON. A confidential informant was utilized to make six controlled purchases of over 300 grams of cocaine base (crack) from DUNSTON between June 20, 2017, and August 14, 2017.

The investigation revealed that DUNSTON conspired with others in his narcotics distribution. This shocking revelation has left many in the community reeling, with some calling for tougher penalties for those involved in the cocaine trade.

EQUAN CORNELIUS DUNSTON pleaded guilty to the single count Criminal Information on March 5, 2018. He was subsequently sentenced to 114 months imprisonment followed by 5 years supervised release by Chief United States District Judge James C. Dever III in federal court.

The investigation of this case was conducted by the Tar River Regional Drug Task Force, Nash County Sheriff’s Office, and Spring Hope Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Dena King represented the government.

As the Grimy Times continues to investigate this case, we will provide updates as more information becomes available. In the meantime, residents of Spring Hope and surrounding areas are advised to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities.