Robersonville Man Sentenced to Prison Following Guilty Plea in Fentanyl Trafficking and Firearms Investigation

Robersonville resident Bryan Gilliam received a prison sentence of up to 9 years and 6 months for fentanyl trafficking and illegal gun possession.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 7, 2026, 5:42 AM EST

Source: The information in this article was sourced from WITN

Joint Agency Investigation

A criminal investigation that began nearly three years ago reached its judicial conclusion this week in Pitt County. Bryan Gilliam, a 34 year old resident of Robersonville, appeared before Judge Marvin Blount III for sentencing following his guilty plea on multiple felony counts. The case originated in April 2023 when the Pitt County Sheriff’s Office joined forces with the FBI to target narcotics distribution networks within the region. Authorities focused their efforts on a residence in Robersonville shared by Gilliam and another individual, Lobelia Williams, after receiving reports of illegal activity at the site.

Controlled Purchases and Evidence Seizure

Over the course of several months, investigators utilized a variety of tactics to corroborate reports of drug trafficking. Between April and July of 2023, law enforcement officers conducted multiple controlled purchases of narcotics from the suspects. These operations culminated in a search of the residence that yielded a quantity of fentanyl and a .22 caliber handgun. Under North Carolina law, the possession of the firearm was particularly significant due to Gilliam's status as a convicted felon, which prohibited him from owning or carrying any such weapon.

Sentencing and Financial Penalties

During the court proceedings this week, Gilliam formally pleaded guilty to trafficking fentanyl by possession and the illegal possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Assistant District Attorney Anthony Futrell, who prosecuted the case, presented the evidence gathered during the joint investigation. Judge Blount subsequently sentenced Gilliam to a prison term ranging from 6 years and 8 months to a maximum of 9 years and 6 months. In addition to the period of incarceration, Gilliam was ordered to pay a $500,000 fine, a mandatory assessment often associated with high level trafficking convictions in the state.