Craven County Gang Members Sentenced to a Total of 89 Years in Federal Prison for Selling Fentanyl, Methamphetamine, and Guns (DOJ)

NEW BERN, N.C. - A federal judge sentenced Kaihem Hicks to over 11 years in federal prison for selling methamphetamine and fentanyl and possessing a gun while selling drugs. Inmate Hicks pleaded guilty to the charges. Inmate Hicks is the final defendant to be sentenced in a Craven County drug and gun investigation.

"So much trauma inflicted by these men against their own community, and for what? The law protects children and families. These men destroy all of that for a little bit of money, but now they will endure nearly 90 years collectively in big boy federal prison. Time for anyone who might look up to this gang to reconsider, lest they earn decades of concrete and steel, instead. Respect yourself, your family, and your community." said U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle.

According to court documents and other information presented in court, the Craven County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) and ATF identified the "Bloody Shovel Gang" and the "Gangster Disciples" as sources suppling fentanyl, methamphetamine, and guns in New Bern, Vanceboro, and the surrounding area. In 2023 and 2024, investigators conducted a series of controlled purchases of drugs and guns from several gang members, to include Inmate Hicks of the Bloody Shovel Gang. Through these controlled purchases, investigators learned that co-conspirator Torrey Denard Stevenson supplied dealers in the Bloody Shovel Gang with fentanyl, methamphetamine, and other drugs sourced from the Atlanta area.

Stevenson and the Bloody Shovel Gang dealers set up shop at an apartment complex in New Bern to sell these drugs. Clayton James Wright, Jr., the leader of the Gangster Disciples, bought drugs from Inmate Stevenson for his Gangster Disciples to resell around Craven County. During the course of the investigation, Inmate Wright and the Gangster Disciples also bought drugs from Durham area suppliers. As a result of approximately 20 controlled purchases of drugs and firearms, traffic stops, and search warrants, investigators seized over 460 grams of fentanyl, over 1,500 grams of methamphetamine, and multiple handguns.

In addition to Inmate Hicks, the following other gang bangers got sentenced for their roles in the conspiracy: Inmate Torrey Denard Stevenson (16 years), Inmate Clayton James Wright, Jr. (21 years), Inmate Demario Lequan Moore (11 years), Inmate Brandon Jamal Smith (9 years), Inmate Robert Niquan Bryant (5 years), Inmate Andre Dimetrease Hudson (14 years), and Inmate Deaurvion Malik Roundtree (2 years).

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. CCSO, ATF, New Bern Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, NC SBI, Wayne, Nash, Beaufort, and Carteret County Sheriff's Offices, USMS, District Attorney's Offices in Craven, Nash, and Wayne counties investigated the case, and Assistant United States Attorneys Julie Childress and Caroline Webb prosecuted 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 CarolinaLinks to other government and non-government sites will typically appear with the "external link" icon to indicate that you are leaving the Department of Justice website when you click the link. or on PACERLinks to other government and non-government sites will typically appear with the "external link" icon to indicate that you are leaving the Department of Justice website when you click the link. by searching for Case No. 4:24-CR-FL, Case No. 4:24-CR-46-M, and Case No. 4:24-CR-56-BO.