FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

FRIDAY - September 18, 2009

MAN SENTENCED ON DRUG CHARGES AFTER ALTERCATION WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT AT CHECK POINT

WILMINGTON - United States Attorney George E.B. Holding announced that in federal court today Senior United States District Judge James C. Fox, sentenced ELIAS KANEAL AZON, 22, of Pitt County, North Carolina, to 210 months’ imprisonment followed by five years supervised release. AZON’s sentence was enhanced after the Court found him to be a career offender due to his past criminal history.

A Federal Grand Jury returned a Criminal Indictment on September 10, 2008. On March 31, 2009, AZON pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute more than five grams of cocaine base (crack).

On May 8, 2008, law enforcement was conducting a check point in Greenville, North Carolina, in which AZON participated. As AZON’s license was being checked, the officer smelled the odor of marijuana and observed part of a torn plastic baggie in the car. AZON was asked to step out of the vehicle so he could be shown a problem with the plate. To ensure the officer’s safety, AZON was told that he needed to be patted down. AZON refused and after AZON took a swing at the officer, an altercation ensued. When AZON was finally subdued and cuffed, officers noticed a plastic bag in one of AZON’s hand. The bag contained 5.7 grams of crack cocaine. A search of the vehicle revealed $789, digital scales, and other drug-related items.

Investigation of the case was conducted by the Pitt County Sheriff’s Office. Special Assistant United States Attorney William Glenn Perry was the assigned Prosecutor.Mr. Perry is a prosecutor with the Pitt County District Attorney’s Office.District Attorney Clark Everett has assigned him to the United States Attorney’s Office to prosecute federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force criminal matters.This has been made possible by a grant funded by the Governor’s Crime Commission.

News releases are available on the U. S. Attorney’s web page at www.usdoj.gov/usao/nce.