WILMINGTON, N.C. — A federal judge sentenced Lara Joy Ezell, 42, to over 14 years in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Chief U.S. District Judge Richard E. Myers II presided over the sentencing.

Ezell pleaded guilty to the charges on June 10, 2026. Law enforcement determined that she possessed and distributed approximately 1.3 pounds of crystal methamphetamine between June 2024 and April 2025.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Dunn Police Department opened an investigation into Ezell’s drug-trafficking activities in April 2025. During the investigation, law enforcement officers conducted multiple controlled purchases of methamphetamine from Ezell.

Ezell has several North Carolina state convictions, including driving while impaired, possession of drug paraphernalia, larceny, financial fraud, possession of a Schedule IV controlled substance, and possession with intent to manufacture, sell, or deliver a Schedule II controlled substance. U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina Ellis Boyle addressed the court regarding her history.

Boyle said that after numerous state court convictions, the repeat offender should have learned her lesson, but instead returned to her criminal drug pushing ways. He added that "Eastern North Carolina will be safer for it."

Boyle issued a warning to others involved in the drug trade. He said that if you peddle poison for profit in EDNC, they will catch you and send you to federal prison. He said that drugs kill, prison awaits, and to do right.

Michael J. Connolly, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division, commented on the inter-agency work. "This investigation demonstrates the importance of strong partnerships between federal, state, and local law enforcement," Connolly said.

Connolly noted the outcome of the joint operation. "By working together, we were able to disrupt the flow of methamphetamine and bring this defendant to justice," he said.

Dunn Police Chief Lynn Gay emphasized the local department's stance. "The Dunn Police Department is committed to working side-by-side with our federal law enforcement partners and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to ensure that these investigations do not stop at the city limits or with a single arrest," Gay said.

Gay stated that authorities would pursue all leads. "We will follow the evidence wherever it may lead and pursue those responsible at every level," she said. She directed a message to potential offenders in the area. "If you choose to sell poison in Dunn, you should know that we are coming after you," she said.

Timeline

On September 15, 2026, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina Ellis Boyle stated, "Let me be clear, if you peddle poison for profit in EDNC we will catch you and we will send you to federal prison." Boyle also said, "Drugs kill. Prison awaits. Do right." Michael J. Connolly, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division, said, "By working together, we were able to disrupt the flow of methamphetamine and bring this defendant to justice." Boyle added, "Eastern North Carolina will be safer for it." Dunn Police Chief Lynn Gay said, "The Dunn Police Department is committed to working side-by-side with our federal law enforcement partners and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to ensure that these investigations do not stop at the city limits or with a single arrest." Gay also said, "If you choose to sell poison in Dunn, you should know that we are coming after you."

Why It Matters

The sentencing concludes a case built on collaboration between federal and local agencies in Eastern North Carolina, a geographic region of the U.S. state of North Carolina. The investigation relied on multiple controlled purchases and joint efforts to track the distribution of approximately 1.3 pounds of crystal methamphetamine.

Officials noted the sentence as a deterrent against repeat offenses and drug trafficking in the region. The case involved a defendant with a documented history of state convictions, showing the transition from state-level penalties to federal imprisonment for continued criminal activity.