Leader of Sampson County Drug Trafficking Organization Sentenced to 15 Years

<_w3a_listitem listvalue="RALEIGH" datavalue="RALEIGH"><_w3a_listitem listvalue="GREENVILLE" datavalue="GREENVILLE"><_w3a_listitem listvalue="NEW BERN" datavalue="NEW BERN"><_w3a_listitem listvalue="WILMINGTON" datavalue="WILMINGTON"><_w3a_listitem listvalue="ELIZABETH CITY" datavalue="ELIZABETH CITY">RALEIGH, N.C. - Seth Allen Hall, 29, was sentenced to 190 months in prison for his involvement in the trafficking of methamphetamine and fentanyl after fleeing from law enforcement on four separate occasions. On August 16, 2024, Hall pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a substance containing methamphetamine, and a quantity of fentanyl; possession with the intent to distribute 5 grams or more of methamphetamine, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

"This defendant led three different Sheriff's Offices on reckless chases that put innocent drivers at risk," said U.S. Attorney Michael F. Easley, Jr. "We won't stand for drug traffickers who consistently put our law enforcement officers in danger."

"This sentence reflects the destructive impact on the community caused by this defendant," said Special Agent in Charge Cardell T. Morant who leads Homeland Security Investigations Charlotte, covering North and South Carolina. "HSI is committed to holding those accountable who distribute their poison into our communities."

"The Sampson County Sheriff's Office remains committed to eradicating drugs in our community. We are proud of our continued relationship with our federal partners. These partnerships have proven to be a valuable asset in investigations and justice," said Sampson County Sheriff Jimmy Thornton.

According to court documents and other information presented in court, Hall has been supplying kilogram quantities of methamphetamine and fentanyl for several years. In December 2022, Hall fled from law enforcement at speeds exceeding 130mph before crashing and being apprehended by the Harnett County Sheriff's Office (HCSO). Following the crash, law enforcement seized methamphetamine and fentanyl.

In June 2023, HCSO deputies approached a parked vehicle that Hall was a passenger in. When law enforcement attempted to remove Hall from the vehicle, he climbed into the driver's seat and fled down the highway.

On July 14, 2023, the Sampson County Sheriff's Office (SCSO) observed Hall driving a vehicle and pulling a trailer, which was fishtailing on the highway. The SCSO deputy attempted to stop Hall, but Hall fled in the vehicle and then fled on foot after jackknifing the vehicle in the middle of the road. Law enforcement located a handgun on the ground near where Hall was ultimately arrested. Inside his vehicle, deputies located digital scales, syringes, drug paraphernalia, and methamphetamine.

Roughly fifteen days later, the Onslow County Sherriff's Office (OCSO) attempted to make a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Hall. He refused to comply and drove over 130mph before striking two other vehicles, jumping the curb, crashing, and running away. He was quickly apprehended. A search of his person and vehicle revealed cash, over 500 grams of methamphetamine, 22 grams of fentanyl and xylazine, cocaine, and multiple cell phones.

Hall has prior felony convictions for possession of heroin in 2019 and 2020, as well as attempted trafficking by transportation and attempted trafficking by possession in 2019.

Michael F. Easley, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by <_w3a_listitem listvalue="Choose an item."><_w3a_listitem listvalue="U.S. District Judge Terrence W. Boyle" datavalue="U.S. District Judge Terrence W. Boyle"><_w3a_listitem listvalue="U.S. District Judge Louise W. Flanagan" datavalue="U.S. District Judge Louise W. Flanagan"><_w3a_listitem listvalue="U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III" datavalue="U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III"><_w3a_listitem listvalue="Chief U.S. District Judge Richard E. Myers II" datavalue="Chief U.S. District Judge Richard E. Myers II"><_w3a_listitem listvalue="Senior U.S. District Judge W. Earl Britt" datavalue="Senior U.S. District Judge W. Earl Britt"><_w3a_listitem listvalue="Senior U.S. District Judge Malcolm J. Howard" datavalue="Senior U.S. District Judge Malcolm J. Howard">U.S. District Judge Terrence W. Boyle. HSI, the SCSO, HCSO, OCSO, and the ATF investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Casey Peaden prosecuted the case.

Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:23-CR-0041.