Judge Sentences Ahoskie Armed Career Criminal to 15 Years in Federal Prison (DOJ)

WILMINGTON, N.C. - A federal judge sentenced Anton Montes Vernon, 31, to 15 years in federal prison after a jury convicted him of illegally possessing a gun as a convicted felon.

Ahoskie Police found a 9mm pistol in Vernon's pocket on November 9, 2023, in the small town of Ahoskie. Ahoskie Police joined forces with nearby law enforcement agencies to form the Down East Drug & Violent Crime Task Force and conduct saturation patrols in crime-ridden areas of communities in Northampton, Hertford, Gates and Bertie Counties, including Ahoskie. North Carolina previously convicted Vernon of three separate breaking and entering offenses which made Vernon qualify as an Armed Career Criminal.

"This stiff sentence shows that justice reaches into every corner of Eastern North Carolina, even smaller communities like Ahoskie." said U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle. "This Big Shark Bad Boy will no longer threaten his community with illegal firearms. Our great law enforcement partners all across the District work hard to ensure that felons and career criminals are brought to justice no matter the size of their community. We will convict them at trial and ensure they receive hefty federal prison sentences to keep every North Carolinian safe."

"Repeat offenders in possession of firearms are extremely dangerous and put innocent lives at risk," said ATF Special Agent in Charge Alicia Jones. "ATF and our law enforcement partners aim to protect our communities by holding these individuals accountable and putting an end to their cycle of violence."

Ellis Boyle, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after Chief U.S. District Judge Richard E. Myers II imposed the sentence. The Ahoskie Police Department, the Down East Drug Task Force, and ATF investigated the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jaren Kelly and Phil Aubart tried 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.2:25-CR-4-M.