DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

Acting United States Attorney Edward R. Ryan
Western District of North Carolina

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JUNE 3, 2009

CONTACT: Suellen Pierce
704.338.3120
Fax: 704.227.0264

WNC FEDERAL DEFENDANTS SENTENCED IN U.S. DISTRICT COURT Charges in Three Separate Cases Include Drug Distribution and Firearms Violations ASHEVILLE, NC—Five individuals charged with involvement in a crack cocaine conspiracy which took place in Cleveland County from January 2000 and continuing into 2008 have been sentenced in U.S. District Court. In a separate case, another defendant from Cleveland County was sentenced on a federal firearms charge, and in a third case, a Burke County man was also sentenced on a federal firearms charge. All of the defendants entered pleas of guilty prior to sentencing.

All the sentences were handed down by The Honorable Lacy Thornburg, U.S. District Judge for the Western District of North Carolina. The cases were handled for the government by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jill Westmoreland Rose of the Asheville U.S. Attorney’s Office.

Docket Number 1:08-cr-59
DELAND DAMONT HALL, 32, Shelby, North Carolina
Sentenced on March 23, 2009 to 132 months in federal prison
Crack Cocaine Conspiracy / Cleveland County

CHAVIS LEON HARGRO, 29, Shelby, North Carolina
Sentenced on June 1, 2009 to 130 months in federal prison
Crack Cocaine Conspiracy / Cleveland County

O’BRIAN SHMARI LOCKHART, 22, Shelby, North Carolina
Sentenced on February 24, 2009 to 63 months in federal prison
Crack Cocaine Conspiracy / Cleveland County

JAMARUS MARQUIS SUTTON, 25, Shelby, North Carolina
Sentenced on February 24, 2009 to 120 months in federal prison
Crack Cocaine Conspiracy / Cleveland County

COOLIDGE KENTAY USSERY, 27, Shelby, North Carolina
Sentenced on February 23, 2009 to 228 months in federal prison
Crack Cocaine Conspiracy / Cleveland County
The case was investigated by the Shelby Police Department.
Docket Number 1:08-cr-101

FRANKIE LAMONT MOORE,38, Shelby, North Carolina
Sentenced on June 1, 2009 to 195 months in federal prison
Felon in possession of a firearm with federal sentencing enhancement due to armed career criminal status
The case was investigated by the Shelby Police Department.
Docket Number 1:08-cr-56

RANDALL CORNETT, 54, Valdese, North Carolina
Sentenced on June 2, 2009 to 220 months in federal prison and ordered to pay $30,827.99
in restitution to victim
Felon in possession of a firearm with federal sentencing enhancement due to armed career criminal status
The case was investigated by the Valdese, North Carolina, Police Department.

Chief John Suttle of the Valdese Police Department said, “Randall Cornett has a long and serious criminal history in our community, including two attempted murders. An 18-year term of imprisonment practically constitutes a term of life imprisonment when handed to a 54-year-old man. This case is a perfect example of federal courts dealing with career criminals. Our community is now a safer place due to the collaborative efforts of local and federal authorities.”