Kenneth Earl Moore, Convenience Store Robberies, North Carolina 2018

RALEIGH, N.C. – In a brazen display of violence, a New Bern man was sentenced to 96 months in prison and 3 years supervised release for two armed robberies of New Bern convenience stores. Kenneth Earl Moore, 49, wore a black mask and gloves, and carried a black bag with distinctive markings during his heinous crimes.

The first robbery occurred on December 4, 2018, when Moore pulled a gun on the clerk at the Five Points Mini Mart convenience store. He made off with approximately $500. Just a few weeks later, Moore convinced a female co-defendant to help him commit another robbery, in exchange for drugs. On December 23, 2018, the co-defendant drove Moore to a Speedway convenience store in New Bern, where he pointed a gun at the clerk and took $622.

Moore’s arraignment on September 19, 2019, was a farce, as he pleaded guilty, but was allowed to remain in a substance abuse treatment program after claiming he had been a Navy Seal. However, investigators later discovered that while Moore did serve in the Navy as a machinist, he was never a Navy Seal. At sentencing, Moore was forced to admit he had not been honest with the Court about his service record.

U.S. Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr., made the announcement after sentencing by Chief U.S. District Judge Terrence W. Boyle. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Bern Police Department investigated the case, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Bryan Stephany prosecuting the case.

Moore’s crimes were a clear abuse of power and a threat to public safety. His sentence is a testament to the hard work of law enforcement and the justice system. The people of New Bern can rest a little easier knowing that Moore will be behind bars for a long time.

The case is a reminder that violence and deceit will not be tolerated in our community. We commend the victims and their families for their bravery and resilience in the face of this traumatic event.

Moore’s sentence sends a strong message that armed robberies will not be taken lightly in our district. We will continue to work tirelessly to keep our community safe and to bring perpetrators to justice.

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