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Armed Gang Member Sentenced to 8 Years in Prison for Methamphetamine Trafficking
NEW BERN, N.C. – Joseph Lee, 28, of Wilmington, was sentenced to 100 months in prison, followed by four years of supervised release, for his involvement in a methamphetamine trafficking operation.
According to court documents, on June 29, 2023, law enforcement made a controlled purchase of approximately an ounce of methamphetamine from Lee around the Market North Apartment in Wilmington. Lee was armed with a handgun at the time.
Between June 29 and August 3, law enforcement purchased an additional 40 grams of methamphetamine from Lee. Lee is a validated gang member of Folk Nation.
Lee pled guilty to the charges on August 13, 2024. The prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation.
U.S. District Judge Louise W. Flanagan presided over the sentencing. The ATF and the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy Severo prosecuting.
The case is part of a larger effort to disrupt and dismantle transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States. The OCDETF approach leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
Lee’s exact criminal charges include conspiracy to distribute and possession with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, distribution of methamphetamine, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
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. 7:23-CR-00121-FL.
Key Facts
- State: North Carolina
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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