Ice trafficker receives frosty 14 year federal prison sentence (DOJ)

WILMINGTON, N.C.- A federal judge sentenced Lara Joy Ezell, 42, to over 14 years in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of meth and distribution of 50 grams or more of meth. Ezell pleaded guilty to the charges on June 10, 2026.

"After numerous state court convictions this repeat offender should have learned her lesson, but instead she returned to her criminal drug pushing ways," said U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle. "Let me be clear, if you peddle poison for profit in EDNC we will catch you and we will send you to federal prison. Eastern North Carolina will be safer for it. Drugs kill. Prison awaits. Do right."

In April 2025, ATF and the Dunn Police Department opened an investigation into Ezell's drug-trafficking activities. During the investigation, law enforcement officers conducted multiple controlled purchases of meth from Ezell. They also determined that between June 2024 and April 2025, Ezell possessed and distributed approximately 1.3 pounds of Ice, also known as crystal meth.

Ezell has several North Carolina state convictions, including driving while impaired, possession of drug paraphernalia, larceny and financial fraud, possession of a Schedule IV controlled substance, possession with intent to manufacture, sell, or deliver a Schedule II controlled substance, and larceny.

"This investigation demonstrates the importance of strong partnerships between federal, state, and local law enforcement," said Michael J. Connolly, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division. "By working together, we were able to disrupt the flow of methamphetamine and bring this defendant to justice. His federal prison sentence is a direct result of those collaborative efforts."

"The Dunn Police Department is committed to working side-by-side with our federal law enforcement partners and the U.S. Attorney's Office to ensure that these investigations do not stop at the city limits or with a single arrest," said Dunn Police Chief Lynn Gay. "We will follow the evidence wherever it may lead and pursue those responsible at every level. If you choose to sell poison in Dunn, you should know that we are coming after you."

Ellis Boyle, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by Chief U.S. District Judge Richard E. Myers II. The ATF and the Dunn Police Department collaborated on this investigation.

A copy of this press release is located on our website . Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:25CR00253M-001.

Updated September 15, 2026