FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
WEDNESDAY - December 17, 2008
COUSINS SENTENCED IN PROJECT SAFE NEIGHBORHOOD’S CASE
RALEIGH - United States Attorney George E.B. Holding announced that in federal court here today United States District Judge Terrence W. Boyle sentenced BILLY LAMAR KENNEY, 29, of Wilson, North Carolina, to 117 months’ imprisonment followed by eight years of supervised release. His cousin, TYRONE DARRELL KENNEY, 24, also of Wilson, North Carolina, received 100 months’ imprisonment followed by four years of supervised release.
On May 7, 2008, a Federal Grand Jury returned two separate Criminal Indictments charging each defendant. On August 6, 2008, BILLY pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine base (crack) and use or carry of a firearm in connection with a drug trafficking crime. On July 9, 2008, TYRONE pled guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
On October 16, 2007, a search warrant was executed on TYRONE’s residence in Wilson, North Carolina, following a controlled buy of crack cocaine. Upon entering the house, Wilson police officers observed BILLY exiting the bathroom. Recovered from the bathroom was 1.8 grams of crack cocaine along with a .32 caliber revolver. Additionally, 2.6 grams of crack cocaine, a marijuana pipe, a crack pipe, scales, and various other drug paraphernalia were recovered from a bedroom. This home was maintained for the sale and use of cocaine.
On November 6, 2007, TYRONE was arrested on a warrant stemming from charges from October 16, 2007, in which police found a loaded Jennings Bryco 9mm handgun in TYRONE’s car. On January 15, 2008, Officers were dispatched to a residence in which several individuals were armed with firearms. TYRONE was found in possession of a Remington 12-gauge shotgun and a box of .380 caliber ammunition. On January 20, 2008, after being arrested for a traffic violation, TYRONE’s car was searched and officers found 4.2 grams of crack cocaine.
BILLY’s previous convictions include breaking and entering, conspiracy to commit attempted breaking and entering, possession of stolen goods or property, two counts of driving while impaired, reckless driving to endanger, possession of cocaine, larceny, and possession of marijuana ½ to 1 ½ ounces,
TYRONE’s previous convictions include an attempt to possess stolen goods, possession of marijuana and possession with intent to sell and deliver mairjuana.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods which encourages federal, state, and local agencies to cooperate in a unified “team effort” against gun crime, targeting repeat offenders who continually plague their communities.
Mr. Holding commented on this case: “Here again we have an example of the important work of those involved in our Project Safe Neighborhoods. Both defendants were repeat offenders who did not learn their lessons in state court. I hope their histories and Judge Boyle’s sentences are a lesson to others in this same situation. Put down the guns.”
Investigation of the case was conducted by the Wilson Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Jane Jackson served as prosecutor for the government.
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