William Roger Swain Jr., Narcotics Distribution, North Carolina 2021

Raleigh, N.C. – In a major blow to the narcotics trade in North Carolina, a New Bern man was sentenced to 144 months in prison for distributing controlled substances in Craven and Pamlico counties. William Roger Swain Jr., also known as “Swoon,” 37, pleaded guilty to federal charges related to the distribution of methamphetamine, heroin, marijuana, and cocaine on June 17, 2021.

Swain, a notorious figure in the community, was responsible for distributing over 4,852 grams of heroin, 1,960 grams of cocaine, 141 grams of methamphetamine, and 684 grams of marijuana into the community from 2012 until 2020, according to court documents and other information presented in court.

The investigation, led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in conjunction with local, state, and federal authorities, resulted in the prosecution of Swain and another individual, Kelly Jackson Gibbs Jr., who was sentenced to 120 months on September 27, 2020, for the distribution of heroin in Pamlico County.

“This is an excellent example of the continued efforts of local, state, and federal partners working together to combat the sale of heroin and other illicit drugs in our neighborhoods, with a focus on violent, repeat offenders,” said Pamlico County Sheriff Chris Davis.

The investigation was a collaborative effort between the Pamlico County Sheriff’s Office, New Bern Police Department, Craven County Sheriff’s Office, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, and the District Attorney’s Office for the Prosecutorial District 4. Assistant U.S. Attorney J.D. Koesters and Special Assistant United States Attorney John Newby prosecuted the cases.

Swain’s sentence is a significant milestone in the ongoing effort to combat narcotics trafficking in North Carolina. The case serves as a reminder of the devastating impact of narcotics distribution on communities and the importance of continued collaboration between law enforcement agencies to combat this threat.

Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:20-cr-00078-D.

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