A Halifax man, Trevonta Lynch, 34, has been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison after being identified as an armed career criminal. The sentencing follows an incident during a traffic stop where Lynch reached for a loaded firearm in front of law enforcement officers.
“Trevonta Lynch is a violent repeat offender who pulled a loaded gun on law enforcement officers,” said U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle. “That dangerous act could have cost lives – now it’s costing him 15 years of freedom. Let this be a warning: if you threaten our officers or our communities, we will find you, we will prosecute you, and you will spend years in federal prison where you can’t hurt anyone again.”
Halifax County Sheriff Tyree Davis commented on the case’s focus beyond drug possession. “This case is not about marijuana. It’s about a violent career criminal with a history of violent felonies and disregard for the law,” said Davis. “Thanks to our partnership with federal law enforcement, we removed this dangerous individual from the streets of Halifax County and into federal prison where he belongs. I have said repeatedly – we are not playing. We will use every legal resource to protect our citizens and will not allow criminals to disrupt our neighborhoods.”
According to court documents, the incident occurred on October 2, 2023, when deputies stopped Lynch for driving without headlights after dark. During the stop, Lynch produced marijuana but continued reaching around his car despite deputies’ warnings. He eventually admitted he was reaching for a firearm; deputies then recovered a loaded 9mm pistol with a large capacity magazine from the vehicle along with marijuana and items consistent with trafficking.
Lynch was on supervised probation at the time and had previously been convicted of 12 counts of breaking and entering in North Carolina—offenses classified as violent felonies under federal law. Because he had committed three or more violent felonies before possessing the firearm on October 2, he faced enhanced penalties including a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years.
U.S. District Judge Louise W. Flanagan issued the sentence following investigation by the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Assistant U.S. Attorney Phil Aubart prosecuted the case.
Further details about related court proceedings can be accessed through the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina website or via PACER by searching Case No. 4:23-CR-66-FL.
