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NEW BERN – An Ahoskie man was sentenced on Friday to 71 months in prison for gun and drug crimes.

Nyjawaun Ezell, a.k.a. “Nike,” age 28, pleaded guilty to the charges on Nov. 13, 2024.

According to court documents and other information presented in court, Ezell, a high-ranking member of the G-Shine set of the Bloods gang, unlawfully obtained multiple firearms over a 10-month period while under indictment for allegedly murdering a rival gang member in Hertford County.

In one instance, Ezell tried to purchase an AR-style rifle at a local gun store and made a false statement on the ATF gun-purchase form about being under the felony indictment, which disqualified him from being able to purchase a firearm. The evidence also showed that Ezell was engaged in dealing narcotics and other controlled substances in Hertford County during this time period.

Ezell pleaded guilty to three counts of receipt of a firearm while under felony indictment; one count of knowingly making a materially false statement to a federally licensed firearms dealer; and one count of possession with intent to distribute a quantity of oxycodone.

“Today marks a significant victory for law enforcement and the safety of our Hertford County community,” stated Hertford County Sheriff Dexter Hayes. “Our dedicated and hardworking law enforcement agencies continue to work tirelessly to keep our neighborhoods safe from gang members and violent criminals.”

Daniel P. Bubar, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Louise W. Flanagan.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF); the Down East Drug and Violent Crime Task Force; and the Hertford County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lori Warlick prosecuted the case.

“We extend our sincere thanks to the Down East Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the Ahoskie Police Department and our officers for their collaborative efforts in the investigation of Nyjawaun Ezell,” Sheriff Hayes said.

The Down East Drug and Violent Crime Task Force was formed through a partnership between the Hertford County Sheriff’s Office, Northampton County Sheriff’s Office, Ahoskie Police Department, and Gates County Sheriff’s Office.

“This joint effort allows us to pool manpower and resources to better serve our respective communities.,” Hayes said. “Together, we can combat the drug trade, respond to violent shootings, and investigate serious criminal behavior that requires a specialized unit.

“I truly believe that we, as leaders, must do everything within our power to ensure a safe environment for our citizens. This task force is a prime example of what can be accomplished when we work together for the betterment of our counties,” Hayes concluded.