Evergreen Reporter

A Raleigh man has been sentenced to 71 months in prison for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon following his involvement in firearms trafficking. Dwight Daniel Hinton, 34, pled guilty to the charge on November 3, 2023.

Court documents revealed that Hinton was involved in trafficking firearms to New York through another member of the Crip gang. He utilized a straw purchaser to buy firearms from local licensed dealers and sold them illegally. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives used a confidential informant to purchase three firearms from Hinton. Among these was an AR-15 rifle equipped with a high-capacity magazine and a brass catcher, capable of being converted into a machinegun.

While detained, Hinton was recorded discussing a $20,000 murder-for-hire scheme offered by another gang member. After pleading guilty and while awaiting sentencing, he assaulted inmates at both Pamlico Correctional Institute and Pitt County Detention Center. He was also found with a homemade "shank" weapon during this time.

Hinton's criminal history includes eight prior felony convictions such as multiple counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, breaking and/or entering, robbery with a dangerous weapon, assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury, and common law robbery.

Daniel P. Bubar, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina announced the sentencing after it was handed down by U.S. District Judge Louise W. Flanagan. The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelly Sandling along with Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Aria Q. Merle.

Further details can be accessed through the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or via PACER using Case No. 5:23-CR-00202-FL.