Evergreen Reporter

A Fayetteville man has been sentenced to 327 months in prison for armed drug trafficking and illegal firearm possession. Nathan Omar Frink, also known as "Ray Nate," aged 41, pled guilty to the charges on September 13, 2023.

Court documents reveal that on May 31, 2022, officers from the Fayetteville Police Department attempted a traffic stop on Frink's vehicle due to an expired license plate tag. Frink refused to comply and engaged in reckless driving by crossing into a turning lane and overtaking multiple vehicles. During the pursuit, he reached speeds exceeding 80 miles per hour in a 45 MPH zone. The police eventually called off the chase due to safety concerns. Subsequently, Frink's vehicle collided with another occupied car, after which he fled on foot but was soon apprehended. Fortunately, no injuries were reported from the collision.

Upon searching Frink and his vehicle, law enforcement discovered over $17,000 in cash, a loaded 9mm handgun, a loaded AK-47 with a high-capacity magazine, marijuana, cocaine, fentanyl, heroin, and various drug paraphernalia. Witnesses informed investigators that Frink had been involved in drug trafficking since at least 2016 until his arrest. He has nine prior felony convictions including four for drug trafficking and three for illegal firearm possession.

The investigation was part of the Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force Operation (OCDETF), which aims to identify and dismantle high-level criminal organizations threatening the United States through a coordinated approach involving federal, state, and local agencies.

Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina announced the sentencing following proceedings led by U.S. District Judge Louise W. Flanagan. The case was investigated by the Fayetteville Police Department with prosecution by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Caroline Webb and Casey Peaden.

Further court documents can be accessed via the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or through PACER under Case No. 5:22-CR-000248-FL.