RALEIGH, N.C. — A 45-year-old New Jersey man was sentenced on Wednesday to 68 months in federal prison for drug trafficking and firearm offenses connected to his distribution of cocaine, fentanyl, and methamphetamine in a Pollocksville neighborhood. James Hathcock pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug crime and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances.
According to court documents, law enforcement began investigating reports of drug activity on Nguyen Lane in February 2023. Between March 3 and April 20, 2023, Hathcock sold cocaine, fentanyl, and methamphetamine to a confidential source in seven controlled purchases. Investigators determined that Hathcock frequently obtained drugs from his supplier, co-defendant Robert Milton Green, before completing transactions.
Search warrants executed at the homes of Hathcock and Green on April 20 yielded significant seizures. From Hathcock’s residence, authorities recovered 84 grams of cocaine, 28 grams of crystal methamphetamine, nine grams of fentanyl, a .380 caliber handgun, two .45 caliber handguns, digital scales, and other drug paraphernalia. Green’s residence contained even larger quantities, including 568.8 grams of cocaine, 159.4 grams of fentanyl, and 34.6 grams of heroin, along with $10,800 in cash.
Green, 43, was sentenced on October 25, 2024, to 11 years in prison for possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, 40 grams or more of fentanyl, and 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.
Michael F. Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, announced the sentencing, which was handed down by Chief U.S. District Judge Richard E. Myers II. The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the Department of Homeland Security; the Jones County Sheriff’s Department; and the Craven County Sheriff’s Office.