Cumberland County Man with Human Trafficking Ties Sentenced to 10 Years on Federal Firearm Charge

RALEIGH, N.C. – A Cumberland County man was sentenced today to 120 months for illegal firearm possession. On May 23, 2024, following a four-day trial, a federal jury convicted Markus Odon McCormick, age 39, of possession of a firearm by a felon. Prior to his federal conviction, a state jury found McCormick guilty of human trafficking charges, in a case investigated by the Fayetteville Police Department.

According to court documents and other information presented in court, on December 10, 2020, Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office responded to a 911 call from a woman reporting gunfire and an assault. The first responding deputies found McCormick standing by his vehicle and the victim bleeding from head injuries. The victim was later transported to the hospital. A responding law enforcement officer noticed a firearm in a crawlspace opening of a nearby mobile home. Upon further investigation, narcotics and a 9mm caliber pistol were discovered under the home, which was owned by the victim. Subsequent laboratory testing revealed the presence of McCormick’s DNA on the pistol.

McCormick has prior felony convictions, including federal conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of cocaine base (crack), which prohibited him from possessing a firearm.

Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Louise W. Flanagan. Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie A. Childress, along with Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Gainer, prosecuted the case.

Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:23-CR-276-FL-BM.