Tag Archive for: #usattorneysofficeeasterndistrictnc

Michael Easley, Jr. Sworn In As U.S. Attorney for Eastern District of NC

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Michael F. Easley, Jr. is the newest U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina. His nomination was confirmed by the U.S. Senate on Nov. 19, 2021 and U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III administered the oath of office last week, according to a press statement.

 “It is an honor and a privilege to serve the people of the Eastern District of North Carolina as United States Attorney,” Easley said in the statement. “I am grateful to President Biden for this opportunity, and I want to thank Senators Richard Burr and Thom Tillis for their strong support through the confirmation process.”

As U.S. Attorney, Easley is the top-ranking federal law enforcement official in the Eastern District of North Carolina, which includes Vance, Granville, Franklin and Warren counties among the 44 easternmost counties of North Carolina. He oversees a staff of 119 employees, including 58 attorneys and 61 non-attorney support personnel.  The office is responsible for prosecuting federal crimes in the district, including crimes related to terrorism, public corruption, child exploitation, firearms and narcotics.  The office also defends the United States in civil cases and collects debts owed to the United States.

Easley was a partner in McGuire Woods LLP prior to his appointment and was a litigator focused on internal investigations and trial court work in state and federal courts.  He represented businesses and individuals in civil, criminal, and regulatory matters over a wide range of topics, including criminal law, environmental, consumer protection, business torts, professional negligence, government contracting, as well as matters involving financial services and securities.

Easley also has advised clients facing inquiries by the U.S. Department of Justice, North Carolina Ethics Commission, and matters before other governmental regulatory bodies.

Born in Southport, Easley attended the University of North Carolina where he graduated with honors and distinction in political science. He later received his law degree with honors from the University of North Carolina School of Law.

In addition to his work at McGuireWoods, Easley contributed time to various bar and community organizations.  He served as a member of the Board of Visitors of the University of North Carolina.  He was also a member of the Criminal Justice Section Council and the Integration, Equity & Equal Justice Task Force of the North Carolina Bar Association. Mr. Easley also served as a mentor in the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity’s Success in Law School Mentoring Program.

Former FCI Butner Correctional Officer Indicted on Bribery and Smuggling Contraband Charges

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Press Release –

A federal grand jury returned an indictment last week, charging a Cameron man with Bribery, Conspiracy to Introduce Contraband into a Prison, and Introducing Contraband.

“Contraband in prisons is one of the greatest threats to both inmates and correctional officers,” stated Acting United States Attorney G. Norman Acker, III. “This indictment seeks to hold a correctional officer who allegedly violated the trust of his peers by conspiring with inmates to introduce contraband to the prison. My office will always prosecute those who endanger lives and disrupt the good order and discipline within our correctional institutions.”

“When correctional officers smuggle contraband into prisons, they jeopardize the safety of the very institutions they are charged with protecting. The OIG is committed to investigating this type of behavior,” said Russell Cunningham, Special Agent in Charge of the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General Washington Field Office.

According to the indictment, Casey Covington, 45, a correctional officer at the Federal Correctional Institution in Butner, conspired with three inmates to smuggle cell phones into the prison. Covington is also accused of accepting bribes in exchange for smuggling in the cell phones and other contraband, including marijuana, tobacco, and alcohol.

According to the indictment, inmates Christopher Lee Davis, 36, Antonio Demond Byers, 40, and Robert Henry Huitt, 32, were also each charged with conspiring with Covington and possessing cell phones in prison.

If convicted, Covington faces 15 years in prison, and Davis, Byers, and Huitt each face up to 1 year in prison.

G. Norman Acker, III, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement. The Department of Justice, Office of the Inspector General, is investigating the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert J. Dodson is prosecuting the case.

An indictment is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.