Goldsboro Man Sentenced For Drug Distribution And Firearm Charge

WILMINGTON – United States Attorney Thomas G. Walker announced that yesterday in federal court, Senior United States District Judge James C. Fox sentenced PHILLIP HARDY , 30, of Goldsboro, North Carolina to a total of 180 months imprisonment, followed by 10 years of supervised release.

HARDY was named in a seven count Indictment filed on February 18, 2014.  On July 14, 2014, HARDY pled guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute 1 Kilogram or More of Heroin; and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Offense. 

According to the investigation, the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office began utilizing a confidential informant in May 2013 to investigate the heroin trafficking activities of HARDY.  On June 5, 2013, agents simultaneously executed a search warrant at HARDY’s apartment in Goldsboro and the residence he shared intermittently with his grandparents in Goldsboro.  With regard to the search of the defendant’s apartment, agents encountered HARDY upon entry and immediately detained him. A search of HARDY’S bedroom resulted in the recovery of a pistol and a 50-round drum pistol magazine, ammunition, 68.43 bundles (27.372 grams) of heroin, bags used to package heroin and a total of $13,686 in U.S. Currency.  From HARDY’S vehicle agents recovered 1 bundle (0.4 grams) of heroin.

During the search of the defendant’s grandparents’ residence, agents recovered five firearms (two of which were determined to be stolen), assorted ammunition, several firearms magazines, a digital scale and plastic bags used to package narcotics

It was determined that between 2007 and February 25, 2014, HARDY possessed/distributed more than 33 kilograms of heroin. He also possessed firearms in furtherance of his drug trafficking activities.  On July 25, 2014, the defendant provided a written statement to the probation office wherein he acknowledged his involvement in the instant offense and expressed remorse for the harm his actions have caused him, his family, and society.

Investigation of this case was conducted by the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer E. Wells represented the government.