Shallotte Man Sentenced to 71 Months in Prison for Drug Trafficking Conspiracy

RALEIGH – The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Robert J. Higdon, Jr., announced that today in federal court, Senior United States District Judge W. Earl Britt sentenced DELMAS CARLYLE GAUSE, a/k/a “Trampus,” 53, of Shallotte, North Carolina, to 71 months in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release.

GAUSE was charged by Criminal Information with conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute twenty-eight grams or more of cocaine base (crack).

On May 4, 2017, the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office received information that GAUSE was selling cocaine base (crack) from his residence in Shallotte, North Carolina. On the same date, officers conducted a traffic stop of one of GAUSE’s customers, and officers recovered a small amount of cocaine base.

Officers then arrested GAUSE and recovered cocaine base and $571 in currency from him.

This case is part of the United States Attorney’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.

Members of the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office then conducted a search of GAUSE’s residence and seized cocaine, cocaine base, marijuana, digital scales, and $920 in currency.

This case was brought by the United States Attorney’s Office through partnerships with the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Scott A. Lemmon.