A Jacksonville man, who was apprehended with both illegal narcotics and firearms in the presence of his infant child, has been handed a 9-year federal prison sentence. Antwone Hatchell, 24, entered a guilty plea for charges that include possession with the intent to distribute cocaine base and possession of a firearm to advance his drug trafficking activities.
The announcement of the sentencing by U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III follows a string of incidents involving Hatchell, laying a troubled pattern of behavior out for the court. Caught with a loaded 9mm handgun, drugs, and a high-capacity magazine alongside his 2-month-old child in November 2022, his ordeal began as stated by the Justice Department. The infant, resting in peril amidst such grave criminal elements, added a disconcerting layer to the case.
Jacksonville Police Chief Jarad Phelps conveyed his relief over the sentencing. “Mr. Hatchell is clearly a dangerous individual. Not only did he put his own 2-month-old child in danger, but he was intent to do harm within our community through the trafficking of illegal narcotics,” he remarked. His gratitude extended to the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the local law enforcement for their efforts to secure the community against such threats.
Repeatedly found by authorities in compromising situations, Hatchell’s record detailed various moments of his disregard for law and safety. In February and July 2023, Hatchell was discovered asleep in a running car, each incident with controlled substances and a loaded gun at hand. In July, a loaded AR-15 pistol with ample ammunition, and narcotics, including substantial amounts of fentanyl and cocaine base, were found upon pulling him over.
This case was brought before the court as a result of the investigative efforts of both the Jacksonville Police Department and the Onslow County Sheriff’s Office, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles E. Loeser leading the prosecution. U.S. Attorney Michael F. Easley, Jr. for the Eastern District of North Carolina shared the outcome of Hatchell’s federal sentencing, underlying the case’s closure and the message it sends to the community regarding the seriousness of combining drug trafficking with violent crime.
