Jacksonville man sentenced to 9 years for drug trafficking

RALEIGH, N.C. (WITN) – An Eastern Carolina man has been sentenced to nine years in prison for drug trafficking.

United States Attorney Michael Easley, Jr. says 24-year-old Antwone Hatchell was found in his car with his child, a loaded gun and drugs.

On August 9, Hatchell pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine base and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

“Sir. Hatchell is clearly a dangerous individual,” said Jacksonville Police Chief Jarad Phelps. “Not only did he endanger his own two-month-old child, but he also intended to cause harm within our community through the trafficking of illegal narcotics. “I am grateful to the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the members of the Jacksonville Police Department and the Onslow County Sheriff’s Office for their professionalism and dedication to keeping our community safe.”

Officials say Hatchell was caught with illegal drugs and weapons four times in nine months.

In November 2022, he was discovered in the car with his two-month-old child, a loaded handgun with a high-capacity magazine, methamphetamine, cocaine and marijuana hidden in a diaper bag.

Officials say he was found sleeping in a moving vehicle in both February and July 2023, each time with a loaded gun and multiple types of controlled substances.

At another time in July, officials say Hatchell was stopped and found with a loaded AR-15 pistol with a high-capacity magazine and red dot optic, a loaded 9mm handgun, fentanyl, cocaine base and other contraband.