A federal jury has convicted Derrick O’Brian Hamlett, a 32-year-old man from Lynchburg, Virginia, on multiple charges related to drug trafficking and firearm possession. The verdict was announced by Daniel P. Bubar, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina.
The charges against Hamlett include possession with intent to distribute heroin, fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine, and 4-anilino-N-phenethylpiperidine (ANPP). Additionally, he was found guilty of possessing a firearm in connection with a drug trafficking crime and as a convicted felon.
Court records reveal that on October 26, 2022, Hamlett was a passenger in a vehicle stopped for a traffic violation in Vance County. A detective detected the smell of marijuana and observed a grinder between the front passenger seat and center console. Upon searching the vehicle, authorities discovered a backpack containing illegal substances and firearms. Hamlett provided the code to unlock part of the backpack which contained methamphetamine, cocaine, over 100 dosage units of fentanyl, heroin, ANPP, and a stolen pistol with an extended magazine. His wallet and identification were also found inside.
Hamlett’s prior felony conviction prohibits him from legally possessing firearms. He now faces sentencing that could range from five years to life imprisonment.
The investigation was conducted by the Vance County Sheriff’s Office with support from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Sampson County Sheriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jermaine Sellers and David Beraka following acceptance of the verdict by U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III.
