Two Lenior County Men Arrested for Conspiring, Selling Crystal Methamphetamine

RALEIGH, N.C. – Law enforcement officers arrested two Lenoir County men on federal charges of conspiring to sell crystal methamphetamine, or “Ice,” and possession with intent to sell.

According to court documents, Kenji Chiba Jerkins, 31, and Tyquil Jermal Yates, 31, entered into an agreement dating back as early as August 2024 to sell, and possess with intent to sell, fifty grams or more of methamphetamine, and possessed fifty grams or more of methamphetamine on August 11, 2025. Jerkins and Yates face a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison if convicted.

W. Ellis Boyle, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement. Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Khari L. Cyrus is prosecuting the case.

A copy of this press release is located on our website. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:26-cr-00003-FL-RN.

An indictment is merely an accusation. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.