Diamonique Shawn Newton, 33, has been sentenced to 78 months in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Newton entered a guilty plea on March 24, 2025.
Court records reveal that the Raleigh Police Department (RPD) began investigating Newton in February 2024 after he posted images on Facebook showing himself with a firearm. Aware of his status as a felon prohibited from possessing firearms, RPD took action when Newton streamed a live video on Facebook where he repeatedly pointed a gun at the camera. This led to the execution of a search warrant at his Raleigh residence on February 29, during which officers discovered two firearms—one stolen—alongside over 180 grams of marijuana and drug paraphernalia. Newton confessed ownership of the stolen firearm, admitting it was purchased illicitly.
Newton’s criminal history includes two felony convictions for possession with intent to sell or deliver marijuana in 2011 and 2018, and an attempted possession of a firearm by a felon conviction in 2013.
The announcement was made by Daniel P. Bubar, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina following sentencing by U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III. The investigation involved both the Raleigh Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jaren Kelly and Kimberly Dixon handled prosecution duties.
