A Harnett County defense attorney, Jeffrey Stall, has been sentenced in federal court following his guilty plea to a felony drug offense. The 45-year-old lawyer received a sentence of two years of house arrest and five years of supervised release.
Stall’s legal troubles began during a federal wiretap investigation targeting a group of drug traffickers distributing methamphetamine, fentanyl, cocaine, and marijuana across Sampson, Johnston, and Harnett counties. Through intercepted conversations, Stall was found to have communicated with another individual about meeting to receive drugs.
Law enforcement observed Stall visiting a known drug trafficking location and leaving shortly thereafter. A North Carolina State Trooper conducted a traffic stop as Stall drove away. The trooper noted signs of intoxication in Stall and saw an empty gun holster on the seat. A canine unit alerted officers to the presence of drugs in the vehicle. When questioned about illegal items in his car, Stall replied ambiguously with “There shouldn’t be” and “Not that I am aware of.”
The search uncovered a backpack containing 33.65 grams of pure methamphetamine and a loaded .40 caliber handgun on the passenger seat.
Further investigations led to the arrest and interviews of several individuals involved in drug trafficking who admitted providing Stall with user amounts of methamphetamine over extended periods. They revealed that their relationships with Stall often began or included him representing them legally before evolving into drug-related interactions.
Daniel P. Bubar, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, announced the sentencing carried out by Chief U.S. District Judge Richard E. Myers II. The case was investigated by multiple agencies including the DEA, ATF, U.S. Marshals Service, NC National Guard, NC State Bureau of Investigation, Sampson County Sheriff’s Office, Harnett County Sheriff’s Office, Johnston County Sheriff’s Office, and Dunn Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tyler Lemons prosecuted the case.
