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An Ayden man was sentenced March 7, 2023 to 165 months in prison for conspiring to distribute cocaine and for possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, according to a press release from the U.S. Department of Justice, Eastern District of North Carolina.

Maurice Montrell Greene, 34, pleaded guilty to his role in the conspiracy on July 19, 2022. Greene was the leader of the local “Grape Street” Crips gang set during the time that he was under investigation.

According to court documents and other information presented in court, Greene was involved with a group of individuals that were obtaining kilograms of cocaine for distribution in Ayden and the greater Pitt County area. “A multi-year investigation spanning from 2016 to February 2019 included controlled purchases, surveillance, witness interviews, and a court authorized wiretap on Greene and others’ cellular phones led to the seizure of approximately 1800 grams of cocaine and over $382,000 in U.S. Currency,” stated the release. “Specifically, as to Greene, over $47,000 cash, 935 grams of cocaine, and a firearm were seized from residences where Greene lived.”

Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Louise W. Flanagan. The Drug Enforcement Administration, Greenville Regional Drug Task Force and the Pitt County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Caroline Webb prosecuted.

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