WILMINGTON, N.C. — A Kenansville man has been sentenced to five years behind bars, followed by four years of supervised release, for orchestrating a scheme to bring methamphetamine and contraband into North Carolina’s Neuse Correctional Institution. Dawan Dontra McKinzie, 31, pleaded guilty to the charges on May 7, 2025.
“This case is a stark reminder that corruption within our correctional facilities can have devastating consequences,” Acting U.S. Attorney Daniel P. Bubar stated. “Our commitment to justice remains unwavering, especially when it comes to those who betray the trust we place in them.”
Mckinzie, once employed as a Correctional Officer, was caught red-handed after law enforcement received information that he had been smuggling drugs into the prison. Agents found 53 grams of meth, 30 grams of psilocybin mushrooms, two grams of cocaine, and other contraband at his residence.
The investigation revealed McKinzie’s involvement in the scheme began between July and October 2023. He would personally transport the drugs and contraband into Neuse Correctional using messages on his cellphone to coordinate with inmates.
Sentencing was announced by Chief U.S. District Judge Richard E. Myers II after McKinzie’s guilty plea. The investigation and prosecution were a joint effort between the FBI, DEA, NC Department of Adult Correction Internal Investigations, and the Duplin County Sheriff’s Office.
For further information on this case, visit the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or PACER by searching for Case No. 7:25-CR-5-M-BM.
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Key Facts
- State: North Carolina
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Public Corruption|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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