Smithfield Man Sentenced for Drug Trafficking and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime

NEW BERN – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina announced that in federal court today, United States District Judge Louise W. Flanagan sentenced KENNETH EUGENE MCCOY, 44, of a Smithfield to 183 months of imprisonment followed by 5 years of supervised release.

MCCOY pled guilty on August 18, 2016 to Possession with the Intent to Distribute 28 Grams or More of Cocaine Base (Crack) and

a Quantity of Marijuana and to Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime.

An investigation was initiated by the Smithfield Police Department following the receipt of information about the drug trafficking activities of MCCOY from a residence in Smithfield. Officers learned that MCCOY had been selling unspecified amounts of cocaine base from the residence.  Officers were able to make a purchase of an unspecified amount of cocaine base prior to obtaining a search warrant for MCCOY’s residence.

On October 16, 2015, MCCOY’s house was searched and officers found over 28 grams of cocaine base, a quantity of marijuana, and a stolen, Hi Point handgun, a RG .22 caliber handgun with ammunition, other assorted drug paraphernalia, and $428.88 in U.S. currency was found in the bedroom.  The front and rear entrances to the residence were reinforced with devices to make unwanted entry difficult.

The criminal investigation of this case was conducted by the Smithfield Police Department, the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office, and the North Carolina State Crime Laboratory.  Assistant United States Attorney S. Katherine Burnette is handling the case on behalf of the government.