Harnett County Felon Sentenced For Possessing Firearms During Search For Missing Child

RALEIGH – This week, a Harnett County man was sentenced to 37 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release, for illegally possessing multiple firearms as a convicted felon. On May 17, 2024, Joe Levaughn Smith, Sr., 63, pled guilty to the charge.

“This case highlights the power of strong law enforcement partnerships to make our communities safer across the board,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Daniel P. Bubar. “A missing child was safely recovered, and an armed felon was held accountable. We remain committed to protecting public safety and pursuing justice.”

“The successful recovery of a missing child, seizure of multiple firearms, and the prosecution of this individual responsible for violations of federal law demonstrates the unwavering dedication of our Deputy U.S. Marshals and law enforcement partners,” said Glenn M. McNeill, Jr., U.S. Marshal for the Eastern District of North Carolina. “The outstanding collaboration between federal, state, and local authorities during this investigation is unparalleled. We remain committed to pursuing individuals who prey on the vulnerable and ensuring those responsible are brought to justice.”

On January 25, 2022, law enforcement executed a search warrant at a residence in Bunnlevel in connection with the recovery of a mother and child who had been missing from Fayetteville since 2016. Investigators with the U.S. Marshal’s Service (USMS), the Fayetteville Police Department, the Harnett County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO), ATF, and other agencies located the individuals at Smith’s residence. Smith became irate and noncompliant during the search, stating he had COVID-19 and intentionally coughing in the direction of the officers as they attempted to detain him.

Smith had previously threatened a government employee and law enforcement in 2021 during an attempted welfare check.

A search of the residence led to the seizure of four firearms: a .22 caliber rifle, a sawed-off 12-gauge shotgun, a 12-gauge shotgun, and a 9mm handgun. Smith, a convicted felon, was prohibited from possessing any firearms under federal law.

Daniel P. Bubar, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III. The USMS, the Fayetteville Police Department, and the HCSO investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashley Foxx prosecuted the case.