Gang leader sentenced to 20 years for drug trafficking and murder

A Raleigh gang leader has been sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for drug trafficking and murder, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.

Raymond Lawrence Brown was sentenced to 240 months in federal prison for leading a violent gang that dealt cocaine and crack and terrorizing a southern Raleigh community through violence and intimidation. Brown received an enhancement for his involvement in at least one murder.

Brown pleaded guilty On May 11, 2021, to possessing cocaine with the intent to distribute.

"This conviction and sentence ensure that a violent gang leader will remain in federal prison for the next two decades," said U.S. Attorney Michael Easley. "We will continue to partner with law enforcement at every level to identify, investigate, and prosecute the individuals driving the violence in our community."

Brown's criminal history

In 2019, a house that Brown used for drug dealing was robbed. In retaliation, Brown ordered the murder of one of the suspected robbers. On June 10, 2019, the individual Brown ordered killed was found dead from gunshot wounds. Brown also sold a gun and ordered others to commit acts of violence on his behalf.

The investigation

The investigation into Brown showed he coordinated, directed, or supplied drug deals carried out by subordinates in the gang. He also received enhancements for being a leader, maintaining a house for distributing drugs, using guns and using violence.