Federal Judge Sentences Elizabeth City Career Criminal to 14 Years

RALEIGH, N.C. - A U.S. District Judge sentenced Miguel Yasmir Williams, a 35-year-old man from Elizabeth City to 14 years in prison after he pleaded guilty to possessing cocaine with the intent to distribute and possessing a firearm as a felon. Williams entered his guilty plea on January 29, 2025.

"Miguel Williams kept on selling drugs and poisoning our communities. No more," said U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle. "This prison sentence puts him out of business. Law enforcement officers caught this dangerous drug dealer armed with a gun that he used to terrorize good citizens and families. We will ensure he pays the price for harming our communities by spending a long time in prison."

"For too long, drugs have profoundly affected the lives of countless individuals in our community. We want to send a clear message: if you are engaged in selling this poison, especially to our family members, we will not stand idly by. We are committed to actively pursuing those who distribute these harmful substances. Weapons and drugs will no longer plague our community," said Elizabeth City Police Interim Chief Eddie Graham.

"There is an absolute connection between drug dealing and gun violence in our communities," said ATF Special Agent in Charge Alicia Jones. "A firearm in the hands of a drug dealer and felon is a serious danger, and ATF and our law enforcement partners will continue to do everything possible to apprehend those that pose these threats to our communities."

According to court documents and information presented in court, Elizabeth City Police Officers responded to a bar in downtown Elizabeth City on February 10, 2024, after the bar requested emergency assistance. When EMS arrived, they found Williams unresponsive and prepared him for transport to the hospital. EMS personnel noticed a gun handle sticking out of his pocket. The gun was not only loaded but also stolen. At the hospital, medical personnel discovered a bag containing cocaine in his possession. This cocaine was packaged into numerous smaller baggies for distribution.

Due to his extensive criminal history, including convictions for kidnapping and possession with intent to manufacture, sell, or deliver cocaine, as well as larceny of a firearm, Williams faced enhanced federal sentencing.

Ellis Boyle, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, announced the sentencing after Judge Dever's ruling. The Elizabeth City Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives investigated the case, while Assistant U.S. Attorneys Phil Aubart and Robbie Dodson prosecuted it.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department's Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

Related court documents can be found on the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina's site or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:24-CR-28.