WILMINGTON, N.C. (NCN News) — A federal judge sentenced a New Bern man to 12 years in prison for selling fentanyl while armed.
According to the U.S. Attorney Eastern District office, Gerard Alexander Brimmer, 30, pleaded guilty on February 26, 2026, to one charge of possession with the intent to sell 40 grams or more of fentanyl and one charge of possessing a gun in furtherance of that crime.
A federal judge sentenced a New Bern man to 12 years in prison for selling fentanyl while armed. (photo courtesy U.S. Attorney’s office Eastern District)
“This criminal chose a false path to ‘easy money’ selling deadly poison, fentanyl, to folks in his community instead of making a positive contribution to society,” said U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle. “He callously risked his own children’s lives by exposing them to fentanyl and his loaded guns. This sentence ensures New Bern will be protected from Brimmer for over a decade. Simple Lesson: Drugs Kill, Prison Awaits – Do Right.”
Craven County Deputies began investigating Brimmer in July of 2023 after a deputy pulled over a vehicle he rode in. A search of the vehicle recovered several baggies of fentanyl and a water bottle that contained a fentanyl solution after Brimmer dumped powder fentanyl into it. Craven County continued investigating Brimmer through a series of controlled purchases of fentanyl in October 2023.
At that time, Brimmer sold bright purple-pink fentanyl from his garage. Deputies conducted a traffic stop on Brimmer when he left his house after one of the controlled purchases and found 3.5 grams of fentanyl in his pocket. Brimmer had his 8-year-old and infant children in the car during the stop. Deputies also searched Brimmer’s home and recovered 50 grams of fentanyl in the garage, $1,040, and two loaded guns. The cash included four marked bills from the controlled purchase earlier in the day.
Brimmer faced a mandatory minimum of 10 years, but the federal judge gave an even longer sentence. At the time of his offense, Brimmer had already been convicted of a felony. The State convicted him of felony possession of cocaine in 2018 and kidnapping and possession of a firearm by a felon in 2021.
Sheriff Chip Hughes stated, “this conviction demonstrates the successful partnership between the Sheriff’s Office and federal law enforcement in tackling drug trafficking.” Hughes warned that drug dealers will face severe consequences for operating in the area, emphasizing that the office will maintain its collaborative efforts with state and federal agencies to shut down drug operations throughout Craven County.
“Drug networks often fuel gun violence and endanger our communities,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Alicia Jones. “Through collaborative efforts with our local, state and federal partners, we’re making sure that those who threaten our public safety are brought to justice.”
Ellis Boyle, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after sentencing by Chief U.S. District Judge Richard E. Myers II. The Craven County Sheriff’s Office, New Bern Police Department, NC Probation, and ATF investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Phil Aubart prosecuted the case.