Three Wilson Men Indicted on Drug Conspiracy Charges

RALEIGH – United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announced that a federal grand jury in Wilmington has returned indictments charging KENNETH RAY BARNES, a/k/a “Kenny,” age 49 of Wilson, NC, and JEFFREY BERNARD MOORE, a/k/a “Cookieman,” age 48 of Wilson, NC, with conspiracy to distribute and possession with the intent to distribute five hundred grams or more of cocaine.  Additionally, TONY LYNN WINSTEAD, age 60 of Wilson, NC, was indicted with conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine.  BARNES, MOORE, and WINSTEAD were each arrested yesterday in Wilson, NC by the Wilson Police Department and United States Marshal’s Service.

If convicted, BARNES and MOORE would face a minimum term of imprisonment of 5 years and maximum penalties of 40 years’ imprisonment, a $5,000,000 fine, and a term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.  If convicted, WINSTEAD would face maximum penalties of 20 years’ imprisonment, a $1,000,000 fine, and a term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.

The charges and allegations contained in the indictments are merely accusations.  The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

The case is a part of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina’s “Take Back North Carolina Initiative” and is being investigated by the Wilson Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration.