A Harnett County man, Joe Levaughn Smith Sr., has been sentenced to 37 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for illegally possessing firearms as a convicted felon. Smith, aged 63, pled guilty to the charge on May 17, 2024.
“This case highlights the power of strong law enforcement partnerships to make our communities safer across the board,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Daniel P. Bubar. “A missing child was safely recovered, and an armed felon was held accountable. We remain committed to protecting public safety and pursuing justice.”
The incident began on January 25, 2022, when law enforcement executed a search warrant at a residence in Bunnlevel. The operation aimed to recover a mother and child who had been missing from Fayetteville since 2016. Investigators from various agencies, including the U.S. Marshal’s Service (USMS), Fayetteville Police Department, and Harnett County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO), located the individuals at Smith’s residence.
Glenn M. McNeill Jr., U.S. Marshal for the Eastern District of North Carolina, stated: “The successful recovery of a missing child, seizure of multiple firearms, and the prosecution of this individual responsible for violations of federal law demonstrates the unwavering dedication of our Deputy U.S. Marshals and law enforcement partners.” He praised the collaboration between federal, state, and local authorities during the investigation.
During the search operation at Smith’s residence, he became irate and noncompliant with officers, claiming he had COVID-19 and intentionally coughing towards them as they attempted to detain him.
Smith had previously threatened a government employee and law enforcement in 2021 during an attempted welfare check. The search led to the seizure of four firearms: a .22 caliber rifle, a sawed-off 12-gauge shotgun, another 12-gauge shotgun, and a 9mm handgun—firearms which Smith was prohibited from possessing under federal law due to his status as a convicted felon.
Acting U.S. Attorney Daniel P. Bubar made the announcement following sentencing by U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III. The USMS led the investigation alongside other local agencies while Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashley Foxx prosecuted the case.
