Scottie Alan Keith Frady, a 27-year-old man from Morganton, N.C., has been handed a 17-year prison sentence for drug trafficking and illegal firearms possession. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Dena J. King for the Western District of North Carolina. Frady's conviction includes the possession of more than two kilograms of methamphetamine and multiple guns, one of which was a machinegun.
The case unfolded on May 17, 2023, when investigators executed an arrest warrant for Frady, who had reportedly absconded supervision. Law enforcement officers located Frady at a residence in Morganton; upon searching the premises, they discovered the narcotics, firearms, and cash. In a statement obtained by the U.S. Department of Justice, evidence also pointed to another residence in Rutherford County where a machinegun and AR type pistol, attributed to Frady, were found. Frady pleaded guilty to the charges on December 20, 2023.
By collaborating with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Burke County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO), the successful apprehension and subsequent sentencing of Frady were made possible. Social media and text messages played a crucial role in the investigation, providing proof of Frady's possession of some of the seized firearms.
Frady, who is now in federal custody, awaits his transfer to a designated federal facility. The case is a part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a nationwide initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence. The Department's strategy emphasizes community trust, preventive measures, targeted enforcement, and measurable outcomes for safer neighborhoods. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Hess was the lead prosecutor on the case.
