Kendrick Dakota Locklear, 25, was sentenced on Mar. 6 to almost six years in federal prison for 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 combining drug sales and firearms, which authorities say increases violence in the community. Boyle said, “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.” He added, “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.”
Court documents show that the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office investigated Locklear for selling marijuana. A search warrant executed at his home led to the discovery of over $6,000 in cash, more than ten pounds of marijuana, cocaine, and three guns—including a handgun modified with a machinegun conversion device. After pleading guilty, further investigation by an ATF task force officer revealed that Locklear continued selling marijuana as recently as October 2025.
The sentencing was handed down by Chief U.S. District Judge Richard E. Myers II. The Angier Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations also participated in the investigation, while the U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case.
Additional 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.
The outcome underscores law enforcement’s ongoing efforts to address gun-related drug offenses and their impact on local communities.
