Diamonique Shawn Newton, 33, has been sentenced to 78 months in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Newton entered a guilty plea on March 24, 2025.
The case began in February 2024 when officers from the Raleigh Police Department (RPD) noticed images on Newton’s Facebook page showing him with a firearm. Knowing Newton’s status as a felon prohibited from possessing firearms, RPD launched an investigation. On February 26, 2024, Newton streamed a live video on Facebook where he repeatedly pointed a gun at the camera. Following this, RPD executed a search warrant at his home on February 29 and discovered two firearms—one stolen—alongside over 180 grams of marijuana and drug paraphernalia. Newton admitted ownership of the stolen firearm, stating he had purchased it illegally.
Newton’s criminal history extends nearly two decades with felony convictions for possession with intent to sell or deliver marijuana in both 2011 and 2018. He was also convicted of attempted possession of a firearm by a felon in 2013.
The sentencing announcement was made by Daniel P. Bubar, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, following proceedings led by U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III. The investigation involved collaboration between the Raleigh Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jaren Kelly and Kimberly Dixon prosecuted the case.
