Crips Gang Member Sentenced to 11 Years for Drug Trafficking and Weapons Charges

RALEIGH, N.C. – Daquan Rosenboro, age 24, of Grifton, a validated member of the Crips gang, was sentenced to 132 months in federal prison for nine separate charges related to trafficking methamphetamine and illegal possession of a firearm by a felon. Roseboro pled guilty to the charges earlier this year.

“Trafficking high-purity meth with a toddler in the car and brandishing guns and dope in hype videos with small children - it’s a level of recklessness we rarely see,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Easley.   “The Craven County Sheriff’s swift action ensures this validated Crips gang member won’t put kids at risk again anytime soon.” 

Sheriff Chip Hughes stated, “This prosecution represents our emphasis on investigating and convicting high-priority gang related drug dealers.  We appreciate the cooperation of our local and Federal law enforcement partners and the work of the U.S. Attorney's Office in putting this dangerous felon behind bars.”

According to court documents and other information presented in court, the Craven County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) began investigating Rosenboro after learning that he was trafficking drugs in and around Craven County.  Between December 6, 2022, and January 26, 2023, law enforcement made multiple controlled purchases of high-purity methamphetamine from Rosenboro, including a controlled purchase of 54 grams of methamphetamine where a toddler was in the rear of the vehicle occupied by Rosenboro at the time of the sale. Rosenboro also sold a SAR 9mm handgun to someone working at the direction of law enforcement. Rosenboro had a prior felony conviction, which prohibited him from owning a handgun. Rosenboro was arrested on January 26, 2023. Following his arrest, a search of his residence uncovered various illegal drugs, a loaded .22 caliber rifle with a large capacity magazine, and 27 rounds of .22 caliber ammunition.

During the investigation, agents discovered videos of Rosenboro with suspected methamphetamine. The videos show him dancing with an AR-style pistol tucked into his waistband and holding cash while small children can be seen in the background. Law enforcement determined that one of the $100 bills Rosenboro held in the video was part of the government funds utilized in an undercover purchase from him.

Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after the sentencing was concluded.  U.S. District Judge Terrence W. Boyle presided over the sentencing.  ATF, the Craven and Lenoir County Sheriff’s Offices, and the Kinston, Grifton, and New Bern Police Departments investigated the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy Severo prosecuted the case.

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. 4:23-CR-00010-BO-BM.