Federal Judge Sentences Dunn-Area Meth Dealer To 14 Years

WILMINGTON, N.C. – A 42-year-old woman has been sentenced to more than 14 years in federal prison following an investigation into methamphetamine trafficking in the Dunn area.

Lara Joy Ezell was sentenced this week by Chief U.S. District Judge Richard E. Myers II after pleading guilty June 10 to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.

Federal prosecutors said the investigation began in April 2025 when the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Dunn Police Department began looking into Ezell’s drug-trafficking activities.

During the investigation, law enforcement conducted multiple controlled purchases of methamphetamine from Ezell, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

Investigators determined that between June 2024 and April 2025, Ezell possessed and distributed approximately 1.3 pounds of “Ice,” or crystal methamphetamine.

“After numerous state court convictions this repeat offender should have learned her lesson, but instead she returned to her criminal drug pushing ways,” U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle said.

Boyle said federal prosecutors will continue pursuing drug traffickers operating in the Eastern District of North Carolina.

Ezell had several prior North Carolina convictions, according to federal prosecutors, including driving while impaired, possession of drug paraphernalia, larceny and financial fraud, possession of a controlled substance, and possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver a controlled substance.

Dunn Police Chief Lynn Gay said the case showed the importance of local and federal agencies working together on narcotics investigations.

“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,” Chief Gay said. “We will follow the evidence wherever it may lead and pursue those responsible at every level.”

The investigation was conducted by ATF and the Dunn Police Department. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina prosecuted the case.