Federal Jury Convicts Holly Springs Man on Federal Drug and Firearms Charges

RALEIGH – The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Robert J. Higdon, Jr., announced that, HOWARD DAVIS, 40, of Holly Springs, NC, was convicted in federal court following a day and a half jury trial before Chief United States District Judge James C. Dever III.  The jury found DAVIS guilty of possession with the intent to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base, and a quantity of cocaine, both Schedule II controlled substances, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and felon in possession of a firearm.

The evidence presented at trial established that DAVIS was pulled over for a window tint violation and while the officer was verifying DAVIS’s information, he fled the scene.  This resulted in a high-speed chase within a residential neighborhood until DAVIS  exited his car and fled on foot into a swamp.  The investigation resulted in the seizure of over 28 grams of cocaine base and 178 grams crack cocaine, $67,288.00 and a firearm.

Sentencing is set for December 10, 2018 term of court.  DAVIS faces not less than 25 years imprisonment and up to life imprisonment followed by 8 years of supervised release and up to an 8.5 million dollar fine.

The case was investigated by the Holly Springs Police Department and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF).  Assistant United States Attorney Gabriel Diaz and Jason Kellhofer prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.