Kendrick Dakota Locklear, 25, was sentenced on Mar. 6 to almost six years in federal prison after pleading guilty to selling marijuana and possessing a firearm in connection with drug trafficking, according to an announcement by U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle.
The case highlights the risks associated with drug dealing when firearms are involved. Authorities say that combining drugs and weapons increases the potential for violence in the community.
According to court documents, the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office investigated Locklear for marijuana sales and executed a search warrant at his home. Officers found more than $6,000 in cash, over ten pounds of marijuana, cocaine, and three guns—including a handgun modified with a machinegun conversion device. After Locklear pleaded guilty, an officer from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives task force discovered evidence that he continued selling marijuana as recently as October 2025.
“Some claim dealing marijuana isn’t that bad, but when you have a machinegun at your side, you inject violence into the community and place everyone’s life at risk just to feed your greed,” said Boyle. “Stop putting the families at risk just because you want a little bit of money. We will find you and put you in federal prison to think about how you can become a productive member of society.”
Chief U.S. District Judge Richard E. Myers II handed down the sentence. The investigation involved the Angier Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations branch of the Department of Homeland Security. The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case.
Further information about this case is available on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or through PACER by searching Case No. 7:24-CR-107-M-BM.
