An Ahoskie gang member has been sentenced to 100 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, after being convicted on charges related to firearm and drug trafficking. Rodney Lamont Evans, also known as "Woo," pled guilty to the charges on September 30, 2024.
Hertford County Sheriff Dexter Hayes commented on the case: "This case is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our local, state, and federal partners. Their relentless efforts to investigate, prosecute, and bring to justice those who threaten the safety of our citizens reflect our shared commitment to a safer community."
The investigation began when authorities received information on August 8, 2022, that Evans was distributing narcotics from his home on McGlohon Street. Law enforcement executed a search warrant at his residence. Upon their arrival, Evans attempted to flee but was apprehended. Inside his home, authorities found nearly 360 grams of cocaine, over 5 grams of crack cocaine, more than 1,700 grams of marijuana, a firearm with ammunition, digital scales, and drug packaging materials. The investigation also uncovered that Evans had been involved in selling homemade machinegun conversion devices.
Evans has previous convictions for indecent liberties with a child and multiple counts of possession with intent to sell cocaine in North Carolina.
U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina Michael F. Easley Jr., announced the sentencing after it was handed down by U.S. District Judge Terrence W. Boyle. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Down East Drug and Violent Crime Task Force along with Hertford County Sheriff's Office were involved in investigating the case which was prosecuted by Assistant U.S Attorneys Lori Warlick and Sarah Nokes.