Sherwood Watson Caraway, Illegally Possessing Firearms and Ammunition, North Carolina 2017

New Bern, NC - In a shocking turn of events, Sherwood Watson Caraway, 62, of Merritt, North Carolina, has pleaded guilty to illegally possessing firearms and ammunition while being a felon.

According to court documents, Caraway was convicted in federal court in 2005 of unlawfully dealing in firearms without a license. Despite his status as a felon, Caraway continued to possess firearms and ammunition at his house. On September 2, 2017, officers with the Pamlico County Sheriff’s Office obtained a search warrant for Caraway’s residence and discovered nine firearms and dozens of boxes of ammunition. Another 33 firearms were seized from Caraway’s daughter’s house nearby.

This case is part of the Take Back North Carolina Initiative of The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina. This initiative emphasizes the regional assignment of federal prosecutors to work with law enforcement and District Attorney’s Offices on a sustained basis in those communities to reduce the violent crime rate, drug trafficking, and crimes against law enforcement.

At sentencing, Caraway faces up to 10 years’ imprisonment and up to $250,000 in fines. The investigation of this case was conducted by the Pamlico County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF). Assistant United States Attorney Laura S. Howard prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

As part of his guilty plea, Caraway acknowledged that he had been convicted of a felony and was therefore prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition. However, he continued to do so, putting himself and others at risk.

This case serves as a reminder of the importance of taking action against those who break the law and put our communities at risk. The public should be assured that we will continue to work tirelessly to reduce violent crime and keep our communities safe.

Mandatory Facts: Defendant: Sherwood Watson Caraway; Crime: Illegally Possessing Firearms and Ammunition; City and State: New Bern, NC; Exact Date: September 2, 2017; Sentence: Up to 10 years’ imprisonment and up to $250,000 in fines.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ednc/pr/owner-sd-gun-and-knife-show-pleads-guilty-illegally-possessing-firearms-and-ammunition