Duplin County Career Meth Dealer Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison

NEW BERN, N.C. - A federal judge sentenced David Kyle Rivenbark, 42, to 10 years in federal prison for selling methamphetamine. On March 16, 2026, Rivenbark pleaded guilty to conspiring to selling meth.

"Instead of seeking lawful, productive ways to earn a living, this criminal chose what he thought was easy money," said U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle. "But peddling poison into our communities is an easy way to spend a decade behind bars. If you choose to deal drugs in the Eastern District of North Carolina, rest assured a prison cell awaits with your name on it. Drugs kill. Prison awaits. Do right."

Duplin County Sheriff's Deputies began investigating Rivenbark in April 2025 following information a tip that he was selling meth in Wallace. The Sheriff's Office, partnering with the DEA and ATF, used surveillance and multiple controlled purchases of meth in April and May 2025. Law enforcement determined that Rivenbark sold over 2 pounds of methamphetamine over the course of a year.
Rivenbark had a checkered history of criminal conduct with State criminal convictions for Possession with Intent to Sell drugs in 2018 and selling Meth in 2019. Rivenbark's prior criminal history made him a career offender in federal court, which led to a mandatory minimum of 10 years imprisonment.
Ellis Boyle, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Louise W. Flanagan. ATF, DEA, and the Duplin County Sheriff's Office investigated the case.
A copy of this press release is located on our website. 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. 7:25-CR-00109-FL-KS.