Daryl Cromartie, a 32-year-old Wilmington man, has been sentenced to 15 years behind bars after pleading guilty to arms and drug trafficking charges. As per details provided by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Cromartie was convicted of possession of a firearm by a felon, and possession with intent to distribute narcotics, including fentanyl, cocaine and phencyclidine (PCP).

The investigation into Cromartie's illegal activities began in February 2023 by the Wilmington Police Department, the FBI and the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office. Law enforcement officials had utilized confidential informants, to purchase drugs directly from Cromartie between February 23 and July 14, 2023 — all transactions happening close to his residence, his cellphone served as the primary mode of communication prior to the drug deals.

Authorities executed a search warrant on Cromartie’s Wilmington home on July 17, 2023, uncovering a safe in the master bedroom which contained illicit substances and a loaded firearm. According to the U.S. Attorney's announcement, officials seized over 8 grams of cocaine, more than 42 grams of crack cocaine, 55.2 grams of a heroin/fentanyl mix, 37.2 grams of marijuana, a digital scale, a sum of $4,360 in cash, and a loaded 9mm handgun. Cromartie was at home during the raid and acknowledged the presence of the controlled substances and the gun.

U.S. Attorney Michael F. Easley, Jr., after Cromartie's sentencing by Chief U.S. District Judge Richard E. Myers II, made the announcement — drawing this high-profile case to a close. The investigation was a collaborative effort of the FBI, WPD, and NHCSO, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Leonard Champaign heading the prosecution.