Raleigh, North Carolina – In a shocking turn of events, Tony McNeil, 28, of New Hanover County, has been sentenced to 135 months imprisonment for his role in a massive cocaine trafficking operation.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, McNeil was charged with conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and distribute 280 grams or more of cocaine base (crack) and a quantity of cocaine, as well as distribution of 28 grams or more of cocaine base (crack).
The investigation, which was part of the Take Back North Carolina Initiative, began on April 21, 2015, when the Wilmington Police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF) received information that McNeil had just completed a drug deal in Pender County.
Law enforcement stopped McNeil on his way to his residence in New Hanover County and searched his car, finding a loaded handgun and more than $6,000. During the course of the investigation, law enforcement determined that McNeil had just sold 2 ounces of cocaine.
Between April 23 and May 12, 2015, law enforcement made four controlled purchases of more than 300 grams of crack cocaine from McNeil. The first three deals were in Sampson County, and the final sale was at his residence in New Hanover County.
According to law enforcement, McNeil was responsible for distributing more than 1.5 kilograms of cocaine and 300 grams of crack cocaine from April to May 2015.
McNeil pleaded guilty to the charges on October 18, 2018, and was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Louise W. Flanagan. The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, & Explosives, Wilmington Police Department, and the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy Severo prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.
McNeil’s sentence includes 135 months imprisonment, followed by 5 years of supervised release. The case is part of the Take Back North Carolina Initiative, which 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.
Key Facts
- State: North Carolina
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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