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RALEIGH – An Ahoskie man was sentenced Wednesday to 100 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute marijuana, cocaine, and crack, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.

On Sept. 30, 2024, defendant Rodney Lamont Evans, a.k.a. “Woo,” pleaded guilty to the charges.

In addition to prison confinement, Evans was also ordered to be placed on five years probation after he is released.

According to court documents and other information presented in court, authorities in Ahoskie received information on August 8, 2022, that Evans, 47, a member of the Blood gang, was distributing narcotics out of his home on McGlohon Street. On that date, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Evans’s residence. Upon their arrival, Evans fled through a window and attempted to hide on the roof, but was soon found.

Inside Evans’s home, authorities discovered nearly 360 grams of cocaine, over 5 grams of crack, over 1,700 grams of marijuana, a firearm, ammunition, multiple digital scales, and drug packaging materials.

The investigation also revealed that Evans had previously participated in the sale of homemade machinegun conversion devices, or “switches,” with a fellow member of the Bloods in Ahoskie.

Evans was previously convicted of indecent liberties with a child and multiple charges of possession with intent to sell cocaine in North Carolina.

Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Terrence W. Boyle.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms; Down East Drug and Violent Crime Task Force; and the Hertford County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lori Warlick and Sarah Nokes prosecuted the case.

“This case is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our local, state, and federal partners,” said Hertford County Sheriff Dexter Hayes. “Their relentless efforts to investigate, prosecute, and bring to justice those who threaten the safety of our citizens reflect our shared commitment to a safer community.”

Sheriff Hayes expressed his gratitude to all agencies involved, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in ensuring safer streets and stronger neighborhoods.

“Thank you to everyone who contributed to this operation. It is through teamwork and persistence that we continue to make progress in keeping our communities safe,” he stated. “The Hertford County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to working alongside community leaders and law enforcement partners to protect residents and reduce crime.”