Jermaine Hale, Drug Trafficking, North Carolina 2016

GREENVILLE – In a federal court hearing, Senior United States District Judge Malcolm J. Howard sentenced Jermaine Hale, 30, of Roanoke Rapids to 77 months’ imprisonment, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for his role in a drug trafficking operation.

On November 10, 2016, Halifax County Sheriff’s Office narcotics agents were investigating drug complaints in the Lincoln Heights Community of Roanoke Rapids. They noticed a car that abruptly pulled into a driveway, attempting to evade law enforcement. Agents circled back and conducted surveillance, revealing a strong odor of marijuana from Hale’s person.

As agents approached Hale, he attempted to walk away, and plastic baggies began falling from his pants leg. He resisted arrest and reached toward his waistband, prompting one of the agents to deploy a taser and subdue him. A search of Hale’s clothing and car revealed a stash of drugs and a loaded handgun.

Hale pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute cocaine, crack cocaine, and marijuana, as well as possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. The investigation was conducted by the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). Assistant United States Attorney Jake D. Pugh represented the government.

The case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program aimed at reducing violent crime and making communities safer. The effort has been implemented through the Take Back North Carolina Initiative, which emphasizes regional assignment of federal prosecutors to work with law enforcement and District Attorney’s Offices.

The 77-month sentence handed down to Hale serves as a reminder of the severity of the consequences for those involved in drug trafficking and related crimes. As the PSN program continues to work towards reducing violent crime, it is essential that the community remains vigilant and reports any suspicious activity to law enforcement.

The Take Back North Carolina Initiative has made significant strides in addressing the root causes of violent crime and drug trafficking in the region. By working together, law enforcement and the community can create safer neighborhoods and a better quality of life for all residents.

Related Federal Cases