Grifton Gang member sentenced on gun, drug charges

A Grifton man was sentenced to 11 years in federal prison on nine charges of trafficking methamphetamine and possession of a firearm, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina reported on June 6.

Daquan Rosenboro, 24, is a validated member of the Crips gang who earlier this year pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, conspiracy to distribute, two counts of distributing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, three counts of distributing five grams or more of methamphetamine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and two counts possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

The Craven County Sheriff’s Office and ATF investigated Rosenboro and between Dec. 6, 2022, and Jan. 26, 2023. Officers made multiple controlled purchases of meth from Rosenboro, including one purchase of 54 grams where a toddler was in the backseat of a vehicle occupied by Rosenboro.

Rosenboro also sold a handgun to a person working at the direction of law enforcement, the attorney’s office said. He was arrested on Jan. 26, 2023. A search of his residence found drugs, a loaded rifle with a large capacity magazine and ammunition.

During the investigation, agents found videos of Rosenboro with what was believed to be meth while he danced with an AR-style pistol tucked in his waistband. He held cash during the videos and small children could be seen in the background, the attorney’s office said. One of the $100 bills he held in the video was determined to be part of the government funds officers used during an undercover purchase.

“Trafficking high-purity meth with a toddler in the car and brandishing guns and dope in hype videos with small children — it’s a level of recklessness we rarely see,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Easley. “The Craven County Sheriff’s swift action ensures this validated Crips gang member won’t put kids at risk again anytime soon.”

Sheriff Chip Hughes stated the prosecution represents “our emphasis on investigating and convicting high-priority gang related drug dealers. We appreciate the cooperation of our local and Federal law enforcement partners and the work of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in putting this dangerous felon behind bars.”

Grifton, Kinston and New Bern police along with the Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office also investigated the case, which was prosecuted by Timothy Severo, assistant U.S. Attorney. Rosenboro was represented by Myron T. Hill of Greenville’s The Hill Law Firm.