Marcus Terrell Burney, Gun Possession by Felon, North Carolina 2024

Raleigh, N.C. - In a shocking turn of events, Marcus Terrell Burney, 44, has been sentenced to 4.8 years in federal prison for possession of a gun by a felon.

Burney, who pleaded guilty to the crime, was sentenced by Chief U.S. District Judge Richard E. Myers II. This conviction marks Burney's third federal conviction, with his previous convictions dating back to 2004 and 2012.

According to court documents, Burney was pulled over by the Sampson County Sheriff's Office for driving a car with an expired registration on I-40 in Sampson County. During the traffic stop, a K-9 unit named Rocky gave a positive alert for the presence of narcotics, leading to a probable cause search of the vehicle. The search yielded a loaded S7W M&P 40 caliber gun in the center console, an open bottle of tequila, digital scales with powder residue, and marijuana residue.

Burney's blood alcohol content level was 0.13 when tested on the roadside, adding another layer of complexity to the case. As a felon, Burney was not legally permitted to possess a gun, and his actions have resulted in a significant sentence.

U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle weighed in on the case, stating, 'It's really easy to avoid this type of crime. If you cannot legally possess a gun, then don't even try. Stay away from drug dealing, too, unless you want to go to prison for many years.'

Sampson County Sheriff Jimmy Thornton also commented on the case, saying, 'Thanks to the alert work of our deputies, a traffic stop led to the arrest of an individual who was already on federal probation and illegally in possession of a firearm. This case highlights the importance of proactive policing and traffic enforcement in keeping dangerous weapons off our streets.'

Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Aria Q. Merle and Assistant U.S. Attorney Tim Severo prosecuted the case, with the Sampson County Sheriff's Office and ATF conducting the investigation.

The sentencing of Marcus Terrell Burney serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of committing crimes while under federal supervision. As the community moves forward, it is essential to address the root causes of these types of crimes and work towards prevention.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ednc/pr/felon-sentenced-illegally-possessing-gun-almost-5-years-federal-prison