Kevon Bracey, 26, from Wilmington, was sentenced to 16 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to charges involving cocaine possession and illegal firearm use. The sentencing took place after his guilty plea on September 3, 2024, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina.
The case began on February 22, 2024, when Bracey was seen by Wilmington police. He fled on foot, carrying a bag of drugs and a modified machine gun. After a brief pursuit, police apprehended him and discovered a loaded 9mm handgun, illegally converted to fire automatically, along with drugs and an extended clip. Bracey had a criminal history that included gang membership and prior felony convictions.
U.S. Attorney Michael F. Easley, Jr. commented on the investigation, which involved the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Wilmington Police, and the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). "This investigation was an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation," as noted in the U.S. Attorney's Office release.
Judge James C. Dever III sentenced Bracey to 196 months in prison, followed by six years of supervised release. The prosecution was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy Severo.
