Raleigh, N.C. - A federal judge sentenced Alexander Jules Pawluk, 29, to seven years in federal prison for trafficking large quantities of meth and firearms throughout the Eastern District of North Carolina. On May 10, 2026, Pawluk pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute 50 or more grams of meth, distribution of 50 grams or more of meth, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

"While it is tragic to see a Marine betraying his oath to protect and serve his country, nobody gets away with crime in Eastern North Carolina. Drugs kill families and communities," said U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle. "Marines should not dishonor themselves by hurting Americans. Simple Lesson; drugs kill, prison awaits, do better."

In 2024, investigators identified Pawluk-then an active-duty Marine-as a drug dealer operating in the greater Jacksonville area. That December, federal and local law enforcement conducted three controlled meth purchases from him. During two of those transactions, he also sold firearms. After completing the controlled buys, law enforcement arrested Pawluk and placed him in state custody.

Following his arrest and subsequent discharge from the Marine Corps, a state judge released Pawluk from custody. Unfortunately, he returned to his drug dealing ways. In June 2025, investigators conducted another controlled meth purchase from him. After that transaction, they searched Pawluk's home and found more meth and firearms.

"Mr. Pawluk's relentless distribution of lethal drugs and firearms despite devastating outcomes demonstrates his complete and callous disregard for human life and the safety of our community," said Special Agent in Charge Kelly Parrish of the NCIS Carolinas Field Office. "NCIS and our law enforcement partners remain unwavering in our mission to protect our Navy and Marine Corps communities. We will continue to conduct thorough investigations to ensure individuals complicit in crimes are held accountable for the grave consequences of their actions."

This prosecution is part of Operation Moral Turpitude, a component of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) established under Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government initiative committed to dismantling criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking networks operating in the United States and abroad. Through unprecedented interagency coordination, HSTF directs federal law enforcement resources to investigate and prosecute the broad spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations. The HSTF places a particular emphasis on targeting offenders involved in crimes against children and uses all available legal authorities to identify, prosecute, and remove violent criminal aliens from the United States.

W. Ellis Boyle, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement following sentencing by U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III. NCIS, ATF, and the Jacksonville Police Department, and the Onslow County Sheriff's Office investigated the case.

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 CarolinaLinks to other government and non-government sites will typically appear with the "external link" icon to indicate that you are leaving the Department of Justice website when you click the link. or on PACERLinks to other government and non-government sites will typically appear with the "external link" icon to indicate that you are leaving the Department of Justice website when you click the link. by searching for Case No. 7:25-CR-63-D-BM-1.