Violent Bloods Gang Leader in Raleigh Sentenced to 20 Years in Federal Prison

NEW BERN, N.C. – Raymond Lawrence Brown was sentenced to 240 months in federal prison for leading a violent Bloods gang that dealt cocaine and crack and terrorizing a southern Raleigh community through violence and intimidation. On May 11, 2021, Brown pleaded guilty to possessing cocaine with the intent to distribute.

"This conviction and sentence ensure that a violent gang leader will remain in federal prison for the next two decades," said U.S. Attorney Michael Easley. "We will continue to partner with law enforcement at every level to identify, investigate, and prosecute the individuals driving the violence in our community."

Court documents and other highlighted at the hearing, evidence presented in court confirm that Brown received an enhancement for his involvement in at least one murder. During the sentencing hearing, law enforcement presented evidence of a house that Brown used for drug dealing getting robbed in 2019. In retaliation, Brown issued an order to murder one of the suspected robbers. On June 10, 2019, the individual Brown ordered killed was found dead from gunshot wounds. This incident represents just one example of Brown’s use of directed violence and intimidation highlighted at the sentencing hearing.

The investigation into Brown showed he coordinated, directed, or supplied drug deals carried out by subordinates in the gang. Law enforcement also documented Brown selling a gun and his ordering of others to commit acts of violence on his behalf, all in furtherance of the gang and drug dealing. During the sentencing, he received enhancements for being a leader, maintaining a house for distributing drugs, using guns, and using violence.

Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Louise W. Flanagan. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Raleigh Police Department investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Tyler Lemons  prosecuted the case.

Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:20-cr-00141-FL-1.

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