A federal judge sentenced Kaihem Hicks on Mar. 10 to more than 11 years in prison for selling methamphetamine and fentanyl, as well as possessing a firearm during drug sales. Hicks pleaded guilty to the charges and is the last defendant to be sentenced in a Craven County investigation into drug and gun trafficking.
The case highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement to address gang-related drug distribution in New Bern, Vanceboro, and nearby areas. Authorities identified the “Bloody Shovel Gang” and the “Gangster Disciples” as key sources of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and firearms in the region.
According to court documents, investigators from the Craven County Sheriff’s Office and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted controlled purchases of drugs and guns from several gang members during 2023 and 2024. These operations revealed that Torrey Denard Stevenson supplied drugs sourced from Atlanta to dealers in the Bloody Shovel Gang. The group operated out of an apartment complex in New Bern where they sold narcotics.
Clayton James Wright, Jr., identified as leader of the Gangster Disciples, purchased drugs from Stevenson for resale throughout Craven County. Investigators also found that Wright’s group obtained drugs from suppliers in Durham. Law enforcement seized over 460 grams of fentanyl, more than 1,500 grams of methamphetamine, and multiple handguns through approximately 20 controlled buys, traffic stops, and search warrants.
In addition to Hicks’ sentence, other defendants received significant prison terms: Stevenson (16 years), Wright (21 years), Demario Lequan Moore (11 years), Brandon Jamal Smith (9 years), Robert Niquan Bryant (5 years), Andre Dimetrease Hudson (14 years), and Deaurvion Malik Roundtree (2 years).
Ellis Boyle, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, announced the sentences following proceedings before U.S. District Judge Louise W. Flanagan. The investigation involved multiple agencies including local sheriff’s offices, police departments, Homeland Security Investigations, North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, United States Marshals Service, and district attorney’s offices across several counties.
