Kevin Brown, Crack Distribution, North Carolina 2013

Raleigh, NC – In a shocking turn of events, a Brunswick County man has been sentenced to 92 months in prison for his involvement in crack distribution. Kevin Brown, 33, pleaded guilty to conspiring to possess with the intent to distribute and distributing more than 28 grams of cocaine base (crack) on January 22, 2013.

According to sources, the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office, with the assistance of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, made seven controlled purchases of cocaine base (crack) between October 2011 and January 2012 from Brown in Brunswick County. This case was brought as a part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) Operation entitled Buggsnatcher, investigating importers and multi-level distributors of cocaine and crack cocaine. So far, 20 persons have been sentenced in federal court as a part of this OCDETF.

The investigation of this OCDETF case is being conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation; the Wilmington Police Department; the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office and the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office. Special Assistant United States Attorney Timothy Severo represents the government. Mr. Severo is a prosecutor with the New Hanover County District Attorney’s Office. District Attorney Ben David has assigned him to the United States Attorney’s Office to prosecute federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force criminal matters.

Brown’s sentence includes 92 months imprisonment followed by 4 years supervised release. This case is a stark reminder of the ongoing fight against crack distribution in North Carolina.

As part of his plea agreement, Brown will be required to pay a fine and restitution. The exact amount of the fine and restitution has not been disclosed at this time.

The United States Attorney’s Office is committed to prosecuting those who engage in organized crime and violent activities in North Carolina. This sentence serves as a warning to those who would seek to engage in similar activities.

In related news, the Buggsnatcher OCDETF operation has resulted in the sentencing of 20 persons in federal court. The operation is ongoing, and the public is urged to report any information regarding suspected organized crime activity.

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