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A Jacksonville man was sentenced Wednesday, February 8, 2023 to 144 months in prison for distribution of fentanyl and methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, according to the U.S. Department of Justice, Eastern District of North Carolina. Joseph Bernard White, 46, pleaded guilty to the charges on October 4, 2022.

“Residents of Jacksonville were courageous in reporting suspected drug trafficking to law enforcement,” said U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina Michael Easley. “Thanks to their tips, an armed drug trafficker is off the streets and behind bars for the next twelve years.”

“The arrest and prosecution of White was a direct result of the cooperation between the community, law enforcement and prosecutors,” commented Onslow County Sheriff Chris Thomas. “Cooperation with community and our fellow law enforcement partners along with education are key to combating the drug epidemic.”

According to court documents and other information presented in court, community complaints about suspected drug trafficking at a home in Jacksonville led to an investigation resulting in the seizure of drugs, drug proceeds and multiple firearms.

“Between November 2020 and March 2021, White repeatedly distributed fentanyl and methamphetamine from his home,” stated the release. “On March 5, 2021, officers searched the home and found methamphetamine, fentanyl, six guns, and nearly $4,000 in cash.”

Easley made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Terrence W. Boyle. The Onslow County Sheriff’s Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Caroline Webb and Nicholas Hartigan prosecuted.

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