Anothony Depree Smith, 44, of Jacksonville, was convicted following a two-day trial before Senior United States District Judge Malcolm J. Howard.

The jury found Smith guilty of Conspiracy to Possess with the Intent to Distribute Two Hundred Eighty (280) Grams or More of Cocaine Base (Crack). Sentencing is scheduled for the May 7, 2019 term of court in Greenville. SMITH faces at least 10 years’ and up to life imprisonment.

 

The evidence at trial showed that SMITH had operated a long-standing crack cocaine organization in the city of Jacksonville, North Carolina, supplying multiple people with crack cocaine for resale on the street. Members of the Jacksonville Police Department conducted over a dozen controlled purchases of crack cocaine from members of SMITH’s organization and ultimately secured their cooperation against their supplier, SMITH. At trial, the evidence included a financial investigation, showing that SMITH had deposited over $118,000 in cash into a bank account that could not be accounted for from other, legitimate sources.

 

Robert J. Higdon, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina,said “The prosecution of Anthony Smith, and others like him, highlights our focus as we seek to take our communities back from drug

 

traffickers and violent criminals. Smith controlled a significant portion of the illegal drug trade which plagued Jacksonville for many years. His conviction is an important step in helping law enforcement and the people of Jacksonville to eliminate this problem.”

 

The case was investigated by the Jacksonville Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF), and the United States Marshals Service. Laura S. Howard prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.