Disgraced former Rocky Mount cop sentenced to almost 4 years in federal prison for selling cocaine (DOJ)

An official website of the United States government

Here's how you know

DOJ Menu

• Utilities

• About EDNC
• Find Help
• Contact Us
• Search

• About

• News
• Meet the U.S. Attorney
• Civil Rights
• Events
• Programs

• Whistleblower Program
• FAQ
• Contact

• Breadcrumb

1. Justice.gov
2. U.S. Attorneys
3. Eastern District of North Carolina
4. Press Releases
5. Disgraced Former Rocky Mount Cop Sentenced To Almost 4 Years In Federal Prison For Selling Cocaine

Press Release

Disgraced Former Rocky Mount Cop Sentenced to Almost 4 Years in Federal Prison for Selling Cocaine

Friday, September 18, 2026

Share

For Immediate Release

U.S. Attorney's Office, Eastern District of North Carolina

[email protected]

RALEIGH N.C. - A federal judge sentenced Linc Oshea Brooks, 56, to over 3 years in federal prison for possession with the intent to distribute cocaine.

"Each day, thousands of men and women courageously put on the badge, kiss goodbye to their families, step into harm's way, and protect the community from criminal ne'er-do-wells. Unfortunately, a select few choose wrong; breaking the law they swore to enforce," said U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle."This traitor thought he could outsmart the system. Thought the law didn't apply to him. But instead, he will now sit behind the cold bars of a prison cell and reflect on how treacherously he behaved. Simple Lesson: Drugs Kill; Prison Awaits - Do Right."

In early 2022, DEA investigators uncovered Brooks' connection to a cocaine trafficker in Richmond, Virginia. Later that year, another drug trafficker told agents Brooks had been selling up to 5 kilograms of cocaine at a time since 2021.

Investigators continued building their case, and by January 11, 2023, determined that Brooks would be driving up I-95 to Roanoke Rapids to deliver 9 ounces of cocaine. Nash County Sheriff's Deputies spotted him commit several traffic violations and pulled him over. During the stop, a K-9 alerted to drugs in the car, leading deputies to discover 191 grams of cocaine. Brooks became combative at this point, forcing deputies to restrain him.

Following the arrest, law enforcement continued their investigation by searching Brooks' home. In a shed on the property, deputies found two digital scales with white residue, plastic baggies, and two guns. Inside the house, they located two additional guns in the master bedroom, along with marijuana.

The DEA investigation also revealed that cooperating witnesses had linked Brooks to large-scale cocaine trafficking dating back to the early 2000s. Although Brooks retired from the Rocky Mount Police Department in 2006, investigators noted that when deputies arrested him in January 2023, he still carried his police shield and law enforcement ID card; revealing how long he hid his illegal ways had remained hidden behind his tarnished badge.

"Law enforcement officers are entrusted with protecting their communities, not exploiting their positions to facilitate drug trafficking," said Michael J. Connolly, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division. "When an officer becomes involved in drug trafficking, that conduct not only violates the law, but it also betrays the public trust. Today's sentence reflects the seriousness of those actions and the commitment of law enforcement to hold accountable anyone who chooses to traffic dangerous drugs."

"Sheriff Keith Stone extends his sincere gratitude to each agency involved in this investigation for their dedication and hard work. Law enforcement professionals are held to the highest standards in order to provide the level of public service our communities deserve. Mr. Brooks violated that trust by swearing an oath to uphold the law and then engaging in the very criminal activity he was entrusted to prevent. Our mission is to keep our citizens and communities safe from crime. When law enforcement and citizens work together, it enhances the community by reducing illegal narcotics, crime, and provides a safe environment for all. "

W. Ellis Boyle, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Louise W. Flanagan. The DEA, ATF, and Nash County Sherriff'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 Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:24-CR-00310-FL.

Updated September 18, 2026