Seven Face Federal Charges In Rocky Mount Heroin Distribution Ring

WILMINGTON - United States Attorney Thomas G. Walker announces that a federal grand jury in Wilmington, North Carolina returned a 14 count indictment charging CEDRIC SHARROD WILLIAMS, DERRICK LAMONT HANNON, HERMAN LEE COLEY, III, MARY SHANTA ELLIS, JERRY KEITH PITTMAN, JR., JOSEPH LAMAR NORRIS, and ALONZO KEITH CARTER with conspiring to distribute and to possess with the intent to distribute heroin, a Schedule I controlled substance, in violation of the provisions of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 846.  Additionally, WILLIAMS is charged with 3 counts of knowingly  possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A).

Mr. Walker remarked, “This investigation shows that local and federal law enforcement are committed to investigating and prosecuting heroin trafficking in Rocky Mount, NC.”

"We are committed to interrupting and apprehending the individuals that distribute heroin in Rocky Mount," stated Chief James Moore.

The investigation revealed that beginning on a date unknown and continuing until or about February 3, 2014, these individuals conspired with one another to distribute large quantities of heroin from New Jersey to Rocky Mount, NC.

If convicted, the maximum penalties for the charged drug counts are not more than 40 years imprisonment, a $5 million fine, and a term of supervised release of not less than 4 years, following any term on of imprisonment.  The maximum penalties for the charged gun counts are not less than 25 years of imprisonment, consecutive to any other sentence imposed, a $250,000 fine, and up to 5 years supervised release following any term of imprisonment. 

The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.  The case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF), the Rocky Mount Police Department, and the Nash County Sheriff’s Office.