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Press Release

Violent Gang Members Sentenced In Drug Conspiracy In Bladen And Columbus Counties

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, Eastern District of North Carolina

RALEIGH – The United States Attorney’s Office announced that in federal court today SHAWN SCHENCK, of Clarkton, North Carolina, was sentenced by Senior United States District Judge Malcolm J. Howard, to 276 months after having pled guilty to Continuing Criminal Enterprise, in violation of Title 21, United States Code Section 848.  Schenck was subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of twenty (20) years for his crimes.    

SCHENCK was the leader of the PIRU MOB gang operating within Columbus and Bladen Counties.  He was charged along with seven other co-defendnats, who also pled guilty and were sentenced by Judge Howard.  ANTHONY JEROME MCLEAN pled guilty to Continuing Criminal Enterprise, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 848, and was sentenced to 168 months in federal prison; JAMES CALVIN QUINN, ORLANDO RASHAUD CHILDRESS and HASKELL TURER WILLIAMS all pled guilty to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(a), and were sententeced to terms of imprisonment of eighty-four (84) months each; MALCOLM HARVEY pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute heroin, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 846, distribution of heroin, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 841(a)(1), and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(a), and was sentenced to a term of imprisonment of sixty-two (62) months; HARRY LANE HARDIE, JR., pled guilty to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(a), and was sentenced to a term of imprisonment of sixty (60) months; and COREY SCOTT ALFORD pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute heroin, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 841(a)(1), and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(a), and was sentenced to a term of imprisonment of forty-six (46) months imprisonment in federal prison.

The PIRU MOB, a set of the United Blood Nation operating in Columbus and Bladen Counties, had a large distribution operation, supplying heroin, cocaine, and and prescription opioids in the Clarkton, North Carolina area.  This drug distribution was often accompanied by violent shootings and retaliatory acts against rival gang members.  SCHENCK and MCLEAN both ordered multiple hits on individuals who affected their drug distribution operation.  These orders resulted in the shooting of at least one individual and the attempted shooting of several others.  Gang members were initially arrested after making a drug run to Kannapolis, North Carolina, when investigators learned that they were bringing back a gang enforcer to finish a hit on a local rival.         

“This type of gang violence is intolerable,” said Acting U.S. Attorney John Stuart Bruce.  “The United States Attorney’s Office is committed to dismantling drug trafficking organizations such as this one, and ensuring that their members cannot perpetrate violent acts that jeopardize the safety of our communities.”

Columbus County Sheriff’s Office greatly appreciates the assistance provided by Bladen County Sheriff’s Office; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the Federal Bureau of Investigation; and the United States Attorney’s Office in getting these gang members off of Columbus County streets.  Utilizing mutual aid optimizes the results of any investigation.  Sheriff Hatcher is committed to ensuring that Columbus County residents feel safe and secure in their own environment.   Sheriff Hatcher added, “Gang violence will not be tolerated in Columbus County.” 

“This is a perfect example of when multiple agenies work together to combat the gang and drug problems in our two counties. I would like to extend my greatest appreciation to the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; and the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office,” stated Bladen County Sheriff Jim McVicker.

Investigation of this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bladen County Sheriff’s Office.  Assistant United States Attorney Leslie K. Cooley prosecuted the case for the United States.

Updated May 12, 2016