Maxton man with prior convictions sentenced for federal drug and weapons offenses

ROBESON COUNTY, NC (WMBF) – A Maxon man is going to prison after pleading guilty to federal drug and weapons charges in April.

A judge sentenced Lloyd Kinston Locklear Jr. to 240 months or 20 years in prison for distribution of cocaine, possession of five grams or more of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and possession of a firearm by a felon, according to a Justice Department news release Wednesday.

Locklear has had several run-ins with the law in the past.

In January 2022, Locklear sold 3.7 grams of cocaine to a confidential informant, according to evidence presented in federal court.

At the time, Locklear was free on bail. The state had charged him with several charges, including premeditated murder and robbery with a dangerous weapon, the US Department of Justice said.

After the alleged controlled sale, Robeson County officials searched his home, whereupon Locklear drove away and “unsuccessfully attempted to jump over a ditch.”

Officers arrested him and found drugs in a book bag that was sitting nearby. They later found guns in a car outside Locklear's home.

According to the Justice Department, Locklear admitted the firearms were his and that he had sold drugs. The state charged him and he was later released on bail.

Months later, in November, Maxton police arrested Locklear on an outstanding state warrant for criminal possession of a firearm and found 29.94 grams of ice (98% pure methamphetamine) on him.

Locklear admitted that the methamphetamine was his and said he had previously sold cocaine.

This led not only to new charges at the state level, but also to a federal charge for which the judge sentenced Locklear to 20 years in prison.

Then, in January of the following year, the Robeson County Sheriff's Office stopped a car on Interstate 95 near St. Pauls for failing to stay in its lane.

Officials said the investigator was familiar with the occupants of the car and attempted to arrest one of the passengers on a federal warrant.

This passenger, who was later identified as Lloyd Kinston Locklear Jr., allegedly resisted the investigator and was able to secure a weapon.

“The deputy grabbed Locklear by the handcuffs, but Locklear backed away and walked toward the front of the vehicle,” the Justice Department wrote in its press release. “Locklear then extended his arms forward and said 'back, back,' and the deputy saw what he believed to be a firearm in Locklear's cuffed hands.”

The sheriff's office said the investigator fired his weapon after Locklear allegedly pointed the gun at him.

Locklear later fled, but was arrested within minutes.

No one was injured in the shooting itself.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Sheriff's Office: Convicted felon released on bail points to Robeson County investigators

All Robeson County state charges against Locklear are still pending, the Justice Department said.

The Robeson County Sheriff's Office, Maxton Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case at the federal level.

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