Evergreen Reporter

RALEIGH, N.C. – U.S. Attorney Michael Easley, along with federal and local law enforcement, provided an update on ongoing efforts to address violent crime in Wilmington and surrounding areas through the Violent Crime Action Plan (VCAP). The initiative involves collaboration between the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Wilmington Police Department (WPD), New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office, New Hanover County District Attorney’s Office, United States Marshals Service (USMS), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). A primary goal of VCAP is to investigate and prosecute individuals significantly contributing to crime in Wilmington.

In June, law enforcement led a coordinated operation to apprehend individuals wanted for various outstanding charges, including violent offenses and drug offenses. According to court documents, nine individuals from the Wilmington area were arrested on federal charges:

- Steven Ray Berg III, 29: distribution of cocaine.

- Kevon Lamante Bracey, 26: possession with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base (crack), possession of a machinegun in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, possession of a machinegun and possession of a firearm by a felon.

- Treyquan Deonte Corbett, 25: conspiracy to distribute fentanyl; distribution of heroin, methamphetamine, and fentanyl; possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.

- Robert James Dick, 24: possession of firearm by a felon; possession of a machinegun.

- Kevin Emmanuel Freeman, 29: conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and heroin; distribution of fentanyl; aiding and abetting.

- Rashawn Herbert Hines, 29: conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and heroin; distribution of fentanyl; aiding and abetting.

- Tyke’eke Monte Hines, 25: conspiracy to distribute fentanyl; distribution of heroin.

- William Rashiem Lane Jr., 35: possession of firearm by a felon.

- Andre Session Jr., 29: federal supervised release violation.

Since last year’s inception of this initiative involving prosecutors, analysts, and investigators working together to combat violent crime in Wilmington and its surroundings areas has resulted in 37 federal indictments. Authorities have seized 41 guns—including five fully automatic machineguns—and six privately made firearms known as “Ghost Guns.” Additionally over forty grams enough for potentially fatal doses equivalent up twenty thousand were confiscated resulting already concluded cases totaling over seventeen hundred months imprisonment collectively faced defendants

“We are working around the clock identifying prosecuting anyone driving gun violence narcotics trafficking,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Easley "Our VCAP partnership makes public safety Southeastern North Carolina top priority brings federal resources fight."

“I am extremely proud dedication hard work officers detectives assisting joint operation Illegal narcotics hands criminals dangerous problem continue combat front lines thankful strong partnerships local state agencies diligently work pursue prosecute responsible illegal activities foster safer environment citizens live work” said WPD Chief Donny Williams.

“Our federal state partnerships demonstrating exceptional effectiveness catching criminals know no jurisdictional lines collaborative effort enhances public safety across state leveraging unique strengths resources streamline operations share critical information execute coordinated strategies successful apprehensions,” stated New Hanover County Sheriff Ed McMahon.

“These arrests demonstrate strong partnership between authorities another step towards making safer community appreciate collaboration will continue seek maximum sentences venue committing offenses involving firearms," commented New Hanover County District Attorney Ben David.

“The United States Marshals Service long-standing ensures violent fugitives continuously pursued discreetly located safely arrested Wilmington example those efforts,” added US Marshal Glenn McNeill Eastern District Carolina

"The FBI committed identifying arresting prosecuting criminal street gang members traffickers whether major metropolitan area rural neighborhood place communities Safe Streets Task Force works daily rid destructive illegal activities," emphasized Robert M DeWitt Special Agent Charge North Carolina

“Collaboration important part addressing ATF proud remains committed working partners protect communities,” affirmed Bennie Mims Special Agent Charge ATF

An indictment/criminal complaint merely accusation presumed innocent proven guilty

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