Men Sentenced for Methamphetamine Drug Conspiracy

NEW BERN – United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announced that today in federal court, United States District Judge Louise W. Flanagan sentenced robert manley narron, 30, of Kenly, North Carolina to 91 months imprisonment, followed by 5 years of supervised release.   On May 23, 2019, United States District Judge Louise W. Flanagan sentenced REYES JUAREZ PEREZ, 34, of Selma, North Carolina to 228 months imprisonment, followed by 5 years of supervised release.

The prosecution of NARRON and PEREZ was a part of an  Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force Operation (OCDETF), which has focused on methamphetamine manufacturers and distributors in Johnston county.

NARRON and PEREZ were named in a nine-count Indictment filed on January 19, 2018 charging them with conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute five hundred (500) grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine from February 7, 2017 until September 9, 2017; distribution of fifty (50) grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, aiding and abetting.  NARRON was also charged with possession with the intent to distribute five hundred (500) grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine and a quantity of cocaine; and possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.  On April 12, 2018, NARRON pled guilty to the conspiracy charge.  On January 15, 2019, PEREZ pled guilty to all charges.   

According to the investigation, PEREZ served as a supplier of crystal methamphetamine and supplied NARRON with such drugs, which were further distributed in Johnston County, North Carolina.  NARRON and PEREZ sold over 200 grams of crystal methamphetamine to a confidential source working with law enforcement.  Law enforcement arrested NARRON and searched his home where they located crystal methamphetamine, ammunition and burnt aluminum strips.  Law enforcement arrested PEREZ and searched his home where they located three handguns, one of which was stolen, two rifles, ammunition and seven cell phones in PEREZ’s bedroom.  Officers located over $34,000 in another room, over 1 kilogram of crystal methamphetamine, and 493 grams of cocaine.  A small child also notified officers of a plastic bag in the kitchen containing 12.48 grams of cocaine. 

PEREZ received a sentencing enhancement for maintaining a premises for the purpose of storing and/or distributing a controlled substance during the time of the drug conspiracy. 

This case is part of the United States Attorney’s Office’s Take Back North Carolina Initiative.  This initiative emphasizes the regional assignment of federal prosecutors to work with law enforcement and District Attorney’s Offices on a sustained basis in those communities to reduce the violent crime rate, drug trafficking, and crimes against law enforcement.

Investigation of this case was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration and Johnston County Sheriff’s Office.  Assistant United States Attorney Dena King represented the government.