Ernie James, Methamphetamine Trafficking, North Carolina 2022

NEW BERN, N.C. – A local man has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for his role in a methamphetamine trafficking ring. Ernie James, 47, of Onslow County, was sentenced to 123 months in federal prison for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and distribution of 50 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine and possession with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine.

The investigation, known as Operation ‘Fighting Jelly Fish,’ was a collaborative effort between the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), Onslow, Duplin, Craven, Pamlico and Lenoir County Sheriff’s Offices, and the Kinston, Holly Ridge and Goldsboro Police Departments. The investigation revealed that James was involved in the distribution of over a kilogram of methamphetamine into the Eastern District of North Carolina between February 2018 and June 2019.

According to court documents, James had at least one person picking up methamphetamine for him to distribute, and he also paid people who were working for him with methamphetamine. The investigation further revealed that James’ methamphetamine distribution was linked to a white supremacist organization.

On June 27, 2019, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop on a truck being driven by James following a methamphetamine deal in Goldsboro. During the stop, James instructed a passenger to dump several ounces of methamphetamine into a drink cup, which was later recovered by law enforcement.

James was also involved in a separate incident in August 2021, while in custody at the Pamlico County Jail, where he and at least one other person were distributing and using controlled substances. The substances were being sent into the jail under the guise of legal mail.

The case was investigated by the ATF, Pamlico County Sheriff Deputies, and the Craven County Sheriff’s Office, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy Severo. U.S. District Judge Louise W. Flanagan presided over the case.

Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 7:19-cr-00139-FL-7.

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