WILMINGTON, N.C. — This is an official press release from the U.S. Department of Justice (USAO - North Carolina, Eastern), published as received.

WILMINGTON, N.C. – Aratika Omhaya Anderson, 43, of Goldsboro was sentenced to 88 months in prison for his leadership role in a drug trafficking organization that was trafficking significant quantities of methamphetamine in the Goldsboro area.

According to court documents and information presented in court, in 2019, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) in Wilmington, North Carolina received information that Anderson was part of a large-scale drug trafficking organization operating in Goldsboro and distributing significant quantities of crystal methamphetamine, cocaine hydrochloride, and cocaine base (crack).  The organization also maintained several “trap houses” or “stash houses” in Goldsboro and employed runners, often times drug users, to hand deliver drugs. Based upon the investigation, law enforcement learned that Anderson worked with the leader of the organization and personally managed a number of individuals distributing methamphetamine and crack cocaine from one of the organization’s stash houses. 

During the course of the investigation, law enforcement gathered historical information regarding this organization from multiple confidential sources, conducted surveillance, and also conducted controlled purchases of narcotics from Anderson, as well as those working for him.  Over the course of the conspiracy, Anderson was responsible for assisting in the distribution of at least 283.5 grams of crack cocaine, 198.45 grams of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, and 572.48 grams of crystal methamphetamine, a/k/a “Ice.” On October 19, 2021, Anderson pled guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess With Intent to Distribute Fifty (50) grams or more of methamphetamine and Distribution of Five (5) grams or more of methamphetamine, aiding and abetting. 

Five total defendants have been charged and convicted in this investigation:

  • Johnathan Aquavius Heath, a/k/a “Booty” (5:21-CR-314-M-1): pled guilty on June 7, 2022, to Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess With Intent to Distribute Fifty (50) Grams or More of Methamphetamine, Five (5) Kilograms or More of Cocaine, and Two Hundred Eighty (280) Grams or More of Cocaine Base (Crack) and Distribution of Fifty Grams or more of Methamphetamine. Heath’s sentencing is currently pending.
  • Victoria Christine Taylor (5:21-CR-314-M-3): pled guilty on March 8, 2022, to Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess With Intent to Distribute a quantity of crack cocaine and was later sentenced to 80 months in prison.
  • Richard Ronald Harris, III (5:21-CR-314-M-5): pled guilty on October 6, 2021, to Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess With Intent to Distribute Fifty (50) Grams or More of Methamphetamine and Distribution of Five Grams or more of Methamphetamine, Aiding and Abetting. Harris was sentenced to 70 months imprisonment.
  • Lelia Inez Harris (5:21-CR-314-M-5): pled guilty on November 16, 2021, to Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess With Intent to Distribute Five (5) Grams or More of Methamphetamine, Distribution of Five Grams or more of Methamphetamine, Aiding and Abetting.  Harris was sentenced to 55 months imprisonment.

 

Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after sentencing by Chief Judge Richard E. Myers II. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) in Wilmington and the Goldsboro Police Department investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer C. Nucci prosecuted the case.

This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launders, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

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 number 5:21-CR-00314-M.

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